Scots referendum talks rescheduled

Feb 3 2012

Alex Salmond will have talks with the Scottish Secretary about the independence referendum in just over a week's time.

The Scottish First Minister will meet Michael Moore in Edinburgh on Monday January 13.

The two were due to have a discussion in the city last Friday but it was cancelled because the Scottish Secretary had chickenpox. On Friday the Scotland Office said a new date for the meeting has been arranged.

Both the SNP administration in Edinburgh and the UK Government at Westminster have launched separate consultations on the referendum.

The talks could also pave the way for discussions on the vote between Mr Salmond and the Prime Minister.

The SNP leader has already written to David Cameron to suggest they meet in Scotland as soon as possible after Mr Salmond's talks with Mr Moore.

The Scottish Government proposes holding a vote on whether or not the country should remain part of the UK in the autumn of 2014. It plans to ask people: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"

While the UK Government wants the referendum to be a straight choice between independence and staying in the United Kingdom, the Scottish Government consultation includes the possibility of asking voters if they want Holyrood's powers to be enhanced, an option dubbed devo-max.

While the SNP administration insists it can hold a referendum on independence for Scotland, the Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition argues that Holyrood has no power to stage such a vote.

The UK Government is carrying out its own consultation on proposals to temporarily extend Holyrood's powers to enable it to hold the ballot.