NEW LEGISLATION OUTLINES LEGISLATION FOR REFERENDUMS IN SCOTLAND
Local SNP MSP Tom Arthur has shown his support for a new Bill which provides legal framework for the holding of referendums on any matters within Scotland’s control.
It is intended that the Referendums (Scotland) Bill will have completed its parliamentary progress by the end of this calendar year, therefore allowing a future referendum to take place in a timely fashion.
For a referendum on independence, it is proposed that this would take place following a transfer of power, ensuring such a referendum could not be legally challenged.
It is intended that the Bill will have completed its parliamentary progress by the end of this calendar year and that putting in a framework in Scotland will allow a future referendum to take place in a timely fashion.
The legislation does not include the timing of a possible second referendum or the question that would be put to voters – leaving these to be set by secondary regulations.
The Scottish Government said this could happen if Westminster grants Holyrood the power to stage another vote via a Section 30 order – something outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly refused to do.
Commenting on this condition, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that a decision from Westminster to block a future independence referendum would be a “democratic outrage”.
Commenting, Tom Arthur MSP said:
“Scotland now faces a choice between two very different futures – on one hand, being dragged out of Europe against our will, with the looming prospect of a No-Deal and a hard Brexiteer being installed in No. 10.
“On the other, Scotland can make a positive choice for independence, putting Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands and playing our full part in the international community.
“This new legislation will help pave the way for an independence referendum within this parliamentary term will give Scotland the opportunity to choose to be an independent European nation – rather than have a Brexit future imposed upon us.
“It must be for the Scottish Parliament, not Westminster, to decide on the question of whether the people of Scotland are to be given a choice over their future – particularly given the chaos currently unfolding in the Westminster Parliament.”
Access the Bill here.