MPs keen on referendum plan 'input'

Sep 17 2012

MPs want to review progress of proposals for the staging of the independence referendum before they are endorsed by Scottish Secretary Michael Moore.

Ian Davidson, Labour MP and chairman of the Commons' Scottish Affairs Committee, said he is keen to have "further input" before the process is complete.

His comments came as Mr Moore prepared to appear before the committee at Westminster.

Mr Moore has been holding talks with Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP minister with a special remit for the referendum.

They have so far failed to reach an agreement on key issues including the number of questions that should be asked and whether to give the vote to people as young as 16.

Mr Davidson said: "The committee has now produced several reports contributing to the debate that is evolving over the possible separation of Scotland from the UK, and we have invited the minister to give his views on the evidence we have received and reports we have produced so far, as well as updating us on his ongoing negotiations with the Scottish Government.

"We look forward to this opportunity for an open discussion of the many unanswered questions that have to be resolved before any referendum can be put to the Scottish people, and an update on the progress towards such a referendum.

"Since Scotland Office ministers are accountable to Scotland's MPs we will be particularly keen to clarify how best the committee can both further input into the ongoing discussions and review any finalised proposals before they are formally endorsed by the Scottish Secretary."

The committee is dominated by pro-Union MPs. The only SNP member took the decision not to take part in the inquiry.