- FM: Nobody will take better decisions about Scotland's future
than the people who live here
The draft Referendum Bill has been published
asking 'Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or
No.'
The Bill, which will be introduced into Parliament once the
necessary powers are secured, was a commitment in the
Scottish Government's 100 days programme.
It sets out the question, defines the franchise for the vote, and
will include a date upon introduction.
First Minister said:
The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK,
and so has Scotland.
While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards
and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us
are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to
invest in their public services often without a fraction of the
abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.
In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history
voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on
Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It
proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in
the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date. It
provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK
Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and
Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.
Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the
UK Government delivered.
I will have more to say about Scotland's constitutional future in
the coming weeks. Fundamentally, nobody will take better
decisions about Scotland's future than the people who live here.
That future belongs to the people of Scotland and no one
else.
Background
Draft Independence Referendum
Bill - gov.scot
