LIB DEMS CHALLENGED TO OPEN UP REFERENDUM DEBATE

LIB DEMS CHALLENGED TO OPEN UP REFERENDUM DEBATE

CLOSED DOOR DISCUSSIONS ON SCOTLAND’S FUTURE NOT ACCEPTABLE

The SNP has today challenged the Lib Dems to open up their discussion on Scotland’s constitutional future.

The Lib Dems are to decide whether they support the right of the people of Scotland to have their say over Scotland’s future or whether they will deny Scotland a voice in a closed doors meeting on Saturday evening.

Speaking ahead of the Lib Dems secret discussion SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan contrasted the Lib Dems secretive approach with the SNP Scottish Government’s open and inclusive National Conversation and challenged the party to hold the debate in public saying it was not acceptable to discuss Scotland’s future behind closed doors.

SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said:

“A decision on the right of the people of Scotland to have their say over Scotland’s future is not something to keep behind locked doors but something all Scotland’s people have the right to hear.

“For politicians to decide in secret on the right of the people of Scotland to exercise their sovereignty is in complete opposition to the principle of the referendum itself.

“The Liberal Democrat approach to this subject is one of fear over what members might say to their leadership – not a focus on what is right for Scotland.

“After the secretive sessions of the Calman Commission this is further evidence of the failure of the unionist parties to trust the people of Scotland.

“The contrast with the SNP Scottish Government’s open and inclusive National Conversation which gives the public a clear opportunity to join the discussion could not be starker.

“A majority of Lib Dem voters as well as a majority of people in Scotland support a referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future.

“That this discussion is happening is an embarrassment to Tavish Scott and his leadership – that they are having it behind closed doors is a disgrace.”