FM calls for referendum powers as draft independence bill published

The Scottish government has published its draft independence referendum bill, setting out the details of the proposed question and who would be allowed to vote.

The short document has been released ahead of the first minister setting out his legislative plans for the year on Tuesday.

John Swinney called on the UK government to "respect the voice of the Scottish people and parliament and transfer the necessary powers" in order to hold the vote.

Since 2014 successive UK governments have opposed any further referendums and Downing Street recently said a fresh poll was "off limits" .

A UK government spokesperson said: "The prime minister made clear to the first minister in their first meeting that another referendum on independence was off the table. It would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living.

"We will continue working with the Scottish government and other partners to build a fairer country for everyone."

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Scotland previously voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%.

In 2022 the UK Supreme Court ruled that any further vote would require the agreement of the UK government.

The proposed ballot paper for a second referendum would ask: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" and voters would mark an "X" against options Yes or No.

The draft bill would be introduced into parliament if the Scottish government secured approval from the UK government.

The document would include a date for the referendum once it was put before Holyrood.

The SNP had promised to publish the draft legislation in their first 100 days in government after the Scottish election in May.

Swinney said: "The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.

"Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK government delivered."

The first minister said he would have "more to say about Scotland's constitutional future in the coming weeks".

He added: "Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland's future than the people who live here.

"That future belongs to the people of Scotland - and no-one else."

In line with current legislation, registered voters over the age of 16, as well as qualifying foreign nationals, would be able to vote in a second referendum.

Earlier this year, Prof Sir John Curtice of Strathclyde University said Scotland remained "more or less divided down the middle on the subject".

He added: "Sometimes yes is a little ahead of no, sometimes it's the other way around. Yes is typically stronger than it was in the actual referendum."

Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Swinney ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow last month.

Afterwards a Downing Street statement said: "The prime minister stated up front that another referendum on independence was off limits because it would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living."

Scottish Labour acting leader Jackie Baillie said: "The people of Scotland deserve far better than this failing SNP government that is more interested in empty gestures and grandstanding than it is in improving the lives of people across the country."

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay called on Swinney to "abandon this tedious obsession and get on with the day job."

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