“BREATHTAKING HYPOCRISY” FROM BROWN ON REFERENDUM PLANS

“BREATHTAKING HYPOCRISY” FROM BROWN ON REFERENDUM PLANS

EVERYONE TO HAVE THEIR SAY – EXCEPT FOR VOTERS IN SCOTLAND

Labour's so-called "Democracy Day" will be a sham unless the party drops
its opposition to allowing the people of Scotland a say on their own
future, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said today.

Speaking ahead of Gordon Brown's planned speech on the constitution, in
which the Labour leader is set to underline his plans to hold a referendum
on the Westminster voting system and proposals for a fully elected House
of Lords, Mr Robertson said:

"This is breathtaking hypocrisy from Gordon Brown and Labour.

"They are promising to let people from all over the UK have their say on
the way MPs are elected in future, while they are also supportive of a
referendum in Wales to extend the powers of the National Assembly there.

“If a referendum is right for Westminster and is right for Wales, then it
is right for Scotland.

“It seems Labour’s position on the constitution is to give everyone their
say – except for voters in Scotland.”

“To stand in the way of a free and fair vote on Scotland’s future, as all
the London parties threaten to do at Holyrood, is a democratic disgrace.

“First we had the London parties and metropolitan media doing their best
to stitch up a deal to cut Scotland's voice out of the TV election
debates, to make sure there is fair coverage for everyone – except for
viewers in Scotland, now we have them planning a democracy day but denying
Scots their say.


Mr Robertson added:

“The people of Scotland want to have a say on their own future, and that
is what the SNP Government at Holyrood is offering them with the planned
referendum, giving voters the chance to choose independence.

“Labour have already flip-flopped several times on the issue of a
referendum, including Wendy Alexander’s ‘bring it on’ moment - and there
is still time for them to do the right thing and support the Referendum
Bill when it is debated and voted on in the Scottish Parliament.

“But any party, including Labour, which tries to stand in the way of the
people having their say will pay a heavy price at the ballot box.

“Gordon Brown’s position on referendums for everyone but Scotland means
Labour haven't a leg to stand on.

“The time has come to let Scotland speak. And sending a strong team of SNP
MPs to Westminster - local and national champions - will make sure our
nation's voice is heard."