Should Scotland be an independent nation?
Yes or No
Yes the phrasing that the SNP wanted "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?" was ruled by the electoral commission as possibly leading and not neutral. So the shorter more neutral question above is now the one that Nicola Sturgeon has agreed that she will recommend is adopted for the referendum.
Scottish Electoral Commissioner John McCormick commenting on the issue of the all important question said he wanted voters to have confidence in the result of the referendum. Adding:
"We have rigorously tested the proposed question, speaking to a wide range of people across Scotland.
"Any referendum question must be, and be seen to be, neutral. People told us that they felt the words 'Do you agree' could lead voters towards voting 'yes'."
The Electoral Commission have also agreed that the spending limits for the Yes Scotland and Better Together campaigns also be increased from £750,000 to £1.5m. While the caps placed on political parties spending on this issue remains as it was.
So now that the people of Scotland know what will asked of them at some point in 2014, it is on with telling them what the consequences of those decisions means.
A question from someone in potential rump-UK might be
ReplyDeleteIf Scotland votes yes in 2014 will the separation timetable mean that Scotland's Westminster Parliament seats will not be contested on 2015? If the timetable dos sill over 2015 what will be the status of Scotland's Westmister members?