REFERENDUM LEAVES LIBDEMS IN A SPIN

REFERENDUM LEAVES LIBDEMS IN A SPIN

LIBDEM REBELLION GROWS ON INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

Commenting on the report in today’s Scotsman that party strategists are in serious talks about supporting an independence referendum, SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said it showed the Scottish LibDem leader Tavish Scott was becoming increasingly isolated from his own party as party members support letting the people of Scotland have their say on Scotland’s future.

Today’s revelations already follow a call on Sunday by Scottish LibDem MEP George Lyon for an independence referendum. A position also supported by MSP John Farquhar Munro and former leader Paddy Ashdown.

Commenting on today’s developments Dr Allan said:

"Chaos and confusion are the order of the day at Lib Dem conference.

"Under Tavish Scott's leadership the LibDems are over the place.

"With senior strategists admitting the party is having a "discussion" on supporting a referendum, and with Scottish LibDems openly backing the right of people to have their say over Scotland's future Tavish Scott is out of touch with his own party.

"It is already well known that a majority of LibDem voters support a referendum. As Lib Dem politicians find themselves firmly sidelined by the Calman Commission it's no wonder they are accepting the idea of a referendum

"The people of Scotland deserve the right to have their say on Scotland's future and clearly that opinion is widely held throughout the LibDems.

"Tavish Scott’s inability to lead his party on this issue is clearly showing.

"The SNP Government will bring forward a Bill in 2010 for a referendum, and challenge the London parties not to stand in the way of the people's right to have their say."

ENDS