17 August 2007
Scottish opposition parties have united to resist plans for a referendum on independence announced by First Minister Alex Salmond.
Launching a white paper, Choosing Scotland's future, in Edinburgh on August 14, Salmond promised a 'new chapter in Scottish politics' and said 'we are now united in a belief that no change is no longer an option'.
The days of top-down government delivered to an 'unsuspecting and compliant population' were over, he said. 'This debate, one focused on the question of the next stage of self-government, demands the attention of every Scot.'
The Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative leaders jointly called for the Scottish National Party to drop its plan. They described it as a waste of public money, as there was no possibility of Salmond securing backing for a referendum, which he would like to take place in 2010, due to his party's lack of an overall majority.
The three Unionist parties also underlined their objection to any plan that was designed to break up the UK. However, they agreed, for the first time, to jointly examine the case for more powers for the Parliament.
'We are willing to enter into debate jointly about the way in which devolution within the UK can best develop in the years to come and we believe colleagues in Westminster have a role to play in that debate,' the parties said in a statement.
During the run-up to the May election, the Scottish Labour Party declared its opposition to greater powers for the Parliament. Its latest position is understood to have the backing of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The white paper, in addition to setting out the case for full independence, puts forward alternative options that include the status quo and more powers for the Holyrood Parliament.
Proposed changes to devolved powers include different levels of fiscal autonomy which would bring devolution of taxation and spending responsibilities.
A draft referendum question suggests that Scots would be asked whether they agreed or disagreed 'that the Scottish government should negotiate a settlement with the government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state'.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Cathy Jamieson said the people of Scotland did not want independence, nor did the Labour Party. 'No-one should be under any illusion, the white paper is about breaking up the UK, not making Scotland better,' she added.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats said the SNP's obsession with independence was a 'roadblock to consensus', while the Scottish Tories said that no matter how the white paper was dressed up, it was about independence.
Pat Watters, president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, said he saw 'little relevance in this exercise for local government and the people we deliver valuable services to'. He added: 'Like me, I am sure they would much rather see money being spent on services.'
PFaug2007
