TORIES URGED TO BACK REFERENDUM BILL

TORIES URGED TO BACK REFERENDUM BILL

DEMOCRATIC SUPPORT SHOULD REPLACE TORY PLOTS AND PLANS

Scotland’s Conservative MSPs were today urged to back the Scottish Government’s referendum bill after media reports in the Daily Mail that senior UK Tories wish to hold a referendum on Scottish Independence if they form the next UK Government.

This follows reports in the Sunday Times that former Scottish Secretary Lord Forsyth has urged David Cameron to back a referendum.

SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said;

“It is clear Tories in England and Lord Forsyth are in favour of a referendum on Independence. Scotland’s Conservatives should follow their lead.

“Instead of waiting for an election they have not won, the Tories could get the referendum ball rolling by backing the SNP Government’s proposals.

"The Scottish Government has made clear it will introduce a referendum bill this year for a vote in 2010. The easiest way for the Tories to get their independence vote is to back the SNP Government's bill - not to hatch secret plots and plans in London.

“Regardless of who is in Government in London all MSPs should value the right of the Scottish people to determine their own constitutional future and support the Scottish Government’s referendum bill when it comes to Parliament later this year.”