SNP MSP for Lothians, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the First Minister’s launch of the public consultation on draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill and is urging the people of West Lothian to vote in favour of Scotland’s constitutional future.
Plans to give the people of Scotland their say on the nation’s future – including enhanced devolution, and extending the powers of the Parliament to enable independence to be achieved – were unveiled today with the publication of a draft Referendum Bill.[1]
Commenting, Ms Hyslop said:
“I believe that every Scot has right to have their say on the future of Scotland and the powers we hold.
“A People’s Parliament should never seek to shut the people out, but to engage and involve them in every important decision that is made.
“I understand from the many constituency cases that I deal with, that the people of West Lothian want our Parliament to do more and I urge members of the public to make their voices heard by letting us know exactly how much more.
“I believe that the potential and prosperity of West Lothian and Scotland as a whole would greatly benefit from an independent Scotland. This Referendum Bill is vital to allow the people of Scotland to decide their future, so I would encourage everyone in West Lothian to ensure that their vote is counted.”
Background:
The consultation document, including the draft Bill can be read here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/referendum
1.First Minister Alex Salmond published the draft Bill, which would give people the opportunity to have their say on two questions: first, whether the Scottish Parliament should have more devolved responsibility; and second, whether there should be an additional extension of power to enable Scotland to become an independent country.
A consultation paper, published with the draft Bill, seeks views on the best option for the question on further devolution: full devolution including fiscal autonomy (known as ‘Devo Max’), or the more limited proposals made by the Commission on Scottish Devolution (the ‘Calman Commission’).