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Referendum now 'when rather than if'
13/10/2009
First Minister Alex Salmond today told the Foreign Press Association at Chatham House in London that he believed a referendum on Scottish independence was now a question of 'when rather than if'.
The FM said:
"We are now into the second decade of Scottish Home rule, and Scotland has shown herself to be capable and competent in running the nation's affairs - with far-sighted and progressive measures such as the ban on smoking in public places, the restoration of free education, the world-leading climate change legislation, and the national unity we demonstrated in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow and Scotland.
"It is now right that we look to the future, and consider the further responsibilities that Scotland needs to succeed. The Scottish Government believe that the full responsibilities of independence are essential for Scotland to achieve her full potential.
"Others have different views on Scotland's future. But we should be able to develop a consensus in Scotland that the people have a right to their say on what that future should be.
"The Scottish Government will bring forward a Referendum Bill next year - exactly as we set out in our manifesto - and we are minded to include a 'more powers' option in the Bill, alongside the option of independence and equality for Scotland.
"The case for a referendum is unassailable, and I believe that a vote on Scotland's future is now a case of when rather than if.
"In these circumstances, the Parliament across the parties should unite next year and rise to that democratic opportunity. A 'people's parliament' should never seek to shut the people out.
"We all have strong and passionately held views on Scotland's future - let us all be prepared to take our case to the people, in whose name we are elected and in whose interests we act."