Independence, let the people decide!

SNP MSP and Chief Whip Brian Adam today welcomed the Lib Dems call for more powers but contrasted it with their actions in Parliament to try and prevent public discussion of what those powers should be.

As Tavish Scott this morning called for more powers Mike Rumbles was calling for an end to discussion of the constitution.

Mr Adam said;

“Lib Dem support for more powers for the Scottish Parliament is welcome, but their approach is unfortunate.

“On the one hand they claim the economy is too important to allow people to discuss and debate the constitution and on the other they are publishing plans for constitutional change.

"It seems they want more powers but no public say. Even Lib Dem conference will not be allowed to discuss a referendum.

“As Tavish Scott admits, we need more powers to tackle the economic problems we face as a result of Labour and the UK’s recession.  That’s why it is so hypocritical of the Lib Dems to seek to bar a democratic referendum which could deliver those powers.

“The Scottish Government has put forward detailed analysis of the options for fiscal autonomy for Scotland – all of which show that full fiscal autonomy as an independent nation would put Scotland in the best position to ride out the current economic storm and build Scotland’s economy for the future.

“The Calman Commission has ruled out the Lib Dems federalist plans – a move that can only be seen as a snub to Tavish Scott and the LibDems.  With their decision to vote against a referendum today they are fast running out of options.

"Instead of fussing around trying to find credibility for themselves in a discredited Commission the Liberal Democrats should drop their current opposition to a referendum and join with the people of Scotland in an open debate on powers for the Scottish Parliament and a public referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future.”

ENDS

1. Tavish Scott:  "We want powers for a purpose, powers to help the Scottish Parliament fight the recession and protect jobs. (Press Association, 5th March)

2. Mike Rumbles “We have made it clear the Scottish government should end its obsession with the constitution and focus on protecting jobs and boosting our economy” (Daily Mail, 5th March)