All parties must back referendum vote

The SNP has challenged all parties to support the people of Scotland's right to have their say over the country's future as the Lib Dems met to debate their position.

Commenting after the Liberal Democrats’ special conference left their position unclear SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan saying:

“All parties must endorse the right of the people of Scotland to have their say on Scotland’s constitutional future.

“The Liberal Democrats are deeply divided on the issue and all over the place – it’s impossible to tell what their position will be from one day to the next, never mind one year to the next.  The only constant thing about the Lib Dems is that they keep shifting their stance.  They should
hold to liberal and democratic principles and back the Referendum Bill when it comes forward in 2010.

“There can be no other way to make major constitutional changes than putting the question to the people, and it is clear from today’s discussions that there are many in the Lib Dems who recognise that principle, as well as a majority of Lib Dem voters.

“With a party so visibly split on the issue of a referendum, the only option for the Liberal Democrats is to allow the Scottish people to have
their say.

“Today’s debate only confirms the panic and confusion an independence referendum causes the unionist parties.  Any party that refuses the right
of the people to have their say over Scotland’s future will pay a heavy price at the ballot box.”