LABOUR CHAOS AND CONFUSION OVER REFERENDUM POSITION

LABOUR CHAOS AND CONFUSION OVER REFERENDUM POSITION

GRAY CHALLENGED TO JOIN LABOUR’S REFERENDUM CLUB

REFERENDUM FOR UK AND FOR WALES – BUT NOT FOR SCOTLAND!

The Labour party has descended into chaos and confusion over a referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future as the SNP challenged Iain Gray to join Labour in Wales and in London in support of a referendum in the next 12 months and Labour MSPs called for a referendum to go ahead.

· A senior Labour MSP is today quoted backing a referendum
· Jack Straw and Gordon Brown are putting legislation through Parliament for a referendum on constitutional reform to be held as soon as possible

· The new leader of Labour in Wales backs a referendum on more powers for Wales as early as autumn
· And members of the business lobby today called for a referendum asap – blowing apart Labour’s claim this is the wrong time for business

Today’s Daily Mail quotes a senior Labour MSP backing a referendum saying; “Scots should be given the chance to prove they want to stay in the unions. Unionist parties shouldn’t fear the verdict of the Scottish people.”

Reports in the newspapers today state that Brown will put plans in place for a referendum on voting reform as soon as possible.

The new Labour leader in Wales, who will become First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones supports a referendum with the Assembly Government saying:

"Nothing has been ruled in or ruled out, including, if it proved practical, a referendum in the autumn."

Veteran Labour MP Tam Dalyell also called for a referendum today while the Institute of Directors said “we should get it done now, whatever the outcome. At least then we will know.”

Challenging Mr Gray to join the clear Labour consensus in Wales and the UK for refenda on constitutional change in the next 12 months SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said:

“Iain Gray cannot answer the simple question – why do Labour support referenda in Wales on more powers, across the UK on constitutional reform but refuse the Scottish people the right to have their say.

“Iain Gray is standing up today claiming business doesn’t want a referendum – when the Institute of Directors say that they do.

“If the timing is right for Wales and the UK, how can it be wrong in Scotland.

“And with MSPs and members of the Labour party backing a referendum Gray and Murphy’s position looks more and more ridiculous.

“Iain Gray is as confused as Wendy Alexander’s was. He now needs to explain why people in Wales should have their say on the constitution and the people of the UK can have their say on voting reform, whilst the people in Scotland should not?

“Labour’s position is inconsistent and untenable.”