The Scottish National Party will be unveiling a legislative programme later this week, with an independence referendum bill acting as its centrepiece. However, it seems that its flagship policy is facing major opposition.
Claiming that it would be harmful to the country, Scotland’s main opposition parties united yesterday to dismiss the plan.
Including a total of 13 bills, the legislative package will also feature propositions to establish minimum pricing for alcohol.
The Tories, Liberal Democrats, and Labour have expressed their resolve not to be enticed with a promise to have the unionist parties’ own plans for increasing the Scottish Parliament’s powers included in the Bill.
First Minister Alex Salmond is hoping that pledging to hold a multi-option referendum can secure support for his Independence Bill.
Meanwhile, notable senior nationalists foresee difficulties for the opposition parties in voting down a referendum, which would include their own designs before the electorate.
However, the leaders of the unionist parties are standing by their decision to oppose Alex Salmond’s Bill.
According to Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray, “Just about the only policy he has left is a referendum on independence. Over a year ago, Labour offered the SNP a referendum on a straight question and they ran away. Alex Salmond will only ever consider a referendum that is rigged. Of course people want a say in how the country is run, but right now I think they are saying that their top priority is economic recovery and protecting jobs.”
The Scottish Tories and Liberal Democrats have also clearly expressed their stand against the Bill.
Meanwhile, the Green Party remains the only party unopposed to a referendum. However, the nationalist sources admit the Bill will fail if one of the main parties does not support it.
