Expert call for referendum question

Jun 22 2012

Experts should be tasked with setting the question for Scotland's independence referendum, the leaders of the three main opposition parties have suggested.

Labour's Johann Lamont, Conservative Ruth Davidson and Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie have united to urge the First Minister to consider the idea.

The opposition chiefs argue the wording of a "clear, fair and simple" question should be determined by constitutional experts - not politicians.

The three suggested an "eminent academic" of the same status as Professor Ron Gould - the expert called in after the 2007 Scottish election fiasco - should be tasked with putting together a group of experts.

The wording they come up with for the independence referendum - which is likely to be held in autumn 2014 - would then have to be approved by the Electoral Commission.

Ms Lamont, Ms Davidson and Mr Rennie want to meet Alex Salmond next week to discuss the matter. In a letter to the First Minster, the three opposition leaders said: "We are sure you agree that ensuring the public have the utmost confidence in the fairness of this referendum is paramount."

Ms Lamont said: "All the parties agree that a single question is what we want. We are now calling on Alex Salmond to join us to ensure the wording of it is clear, fair and simple - and most of all trusted by the Scottish people."

The Scottish Labour leader stated: "Whatever the result of this referendum, it is vital that the day after it all of Scotland can come together to build a better future for our nation. If we are to achieve that then the process of the referendum must be beyond question."

Ms Davidson said: "The people of Scotland deserve a fair question that will frame the most important decision Scotland has faced in 300 years. Such a task should be given to respected constitutional experts, who are best-placed to decide on the fairest form of words to be put on the ballot paper for the proposed referendum, and all parties need to be satisfied with the process."

Meanwhile, Mr Rennie stressed: "With a decision as important as this it is vital that the question facing us is crystal clear. Every example from across the world shows that if the question asked is not fair and unambiguous, then the debate leading up to the vote is more likely to become confused."