LIB DEM CONFUSION CONTINUES

LIB DEM CONFUSION CONTINUES

ALL PARTIES MUST BACK REFERENDUM VOTE

Commenting on the Liberal Democrats’ special conference held to debate the
party’s position on a referendum on independence, the SNP called on all
parties to back the right of the Scottish people to have their say on
Scotland’s future, with SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan saying:

“All parties must endorse the right of the people of Scotland to have
their say on Scotland’s constitutional future.

“The Liberal Democrats are deeply divided on the issue and all over the
place – it’s impossible to tell what their position will be from one day
to the next, never mind one year to the next. The only constant thing
about the Lib Dems is that they keep shifting their stance. They should
hold to liberal and democratic principles and back the Referendum Bill
when it comes forward in 2010.

“There can be no other way to make major constitutional changes than
putting the question to the people, and it is clear from today’s
discussions that there are many in the Lib Dems who recognise that
principle, as well as a majority of Lib Dem voters.

“With a party so visibly split on the issue of a referendum, the only
option for the Liberal Democrats is to allow the Scottish people to have
their say.

“Today’s debate only confirms the panic and confusion an independence
referendum causes the unionist parties. Any party that refuses the right
of the people to have their say over Scotland’s future will pay a heavy
price at the ballot box.”