Draft Independence Referendum Bill published

First minister John Swinney

The bill, which will be introduced into Parliament once the necessary powers are secured, sets out the question ‘Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No’, defines the franchise for the vote, and will include a date upon introduction.

First minister John Swinney said: “This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date. It provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.”

He added: “I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks. Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”