LIB DEMS ADMIT REFERENDUM PLANS

LIB DEMS ADMIT REFERENDUM PLANS

As the Lib Dems today(Tuesday) signalled that they will include support for a referendum in their 2011 manifesto SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said this left them with no excuse not to back a referendum in 2010.

The party has been reviewing it's position since a highly public disagreement between the party's grass roots and leadership at Lib Dem conference in the autumn.

SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan

"This raises the question of why the Lib Dems cannot support the current legislation for a referendum in this parliamentary session. They have no excuse left to oppose a referendum next year.

"A majority of Lib Dem voters support a referendum and a majority of grassroots members are deeply uncomfortable with their party's current position.

"With the UK Treasury claiming the economy will be back on track in 2010, and all parties able to address the question as part of the legislation there is no reason for further delay.

ENDS

1. In today's Daily Mail (p2) a Lib Dem source is quoted as saying

"It is now highly likely that we will go into the next election with a manifesto pledge on a referendum.

"At the Dunfermline conference, there was a general feeling now is not the time to hold a referendum - but the idea is strongly backed n principle. We know that the vast majority of Scots support the Unions so a referendum could be held after the 2011 election. I would be incredibly surprised if we didn't include it in the manifesto."