Right of people to decide is the key issue

Dr Allan said:

"Without the SNP’s victory in May and the launch of the National Conversation this opposition review would not be taking place.

"Crucially the National Conversation, which looks at all the options available to Scotland, is taking place not in a political bubble but across Scotland with the Scottish people - who must have the final say over any constitutional change in a referendum.

"To say that independence is not an issue demonstrates just how out of touch with the people this review is – the last poll to put the question in a referendum format found an increase in support for independence to 40%, just 4 points behind the status quo.

"The review started by excluding the option of Independence, and is continuing by excluding the people of Scotland.

"The first four months of this review have been marked by political wrangling amongst the opposition parties and within the Labour Party - not the constructive discussion that Scotland’s future needs.

"With Westminster already calling for powers to be handed back, I hope Sir Kenneth Calman will note the lead taken by the Scottish Government on Climate Change - with higher targets and greater ambition which the UK government is now following, and the more successful Scottish response to Foot and Mouth.

"The review should learn one important lesson from the National Conversation. Instead of debating Scotland’s future in a political bubble, the opposition parties must be prepared to put their proposals out to the public not just for debate but for decision in a referendum."

ENDS