The Scottish Government confirmed an independence referendum and minimum pricing for alcohol are among the bills to be introduced at the Scottish Parliament in the coming year. Thirteen bills are to be brought forward in the SNP's third legislative session. The programme will be debated by MSPs at Holyrood on Thursday.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the people of Scotland had a democratic right to have their say on the issue of independence.
The opposition parties gave their predisposed opinions:
Scottish Labour said an independence referendum would destabilise an already faltering economy. Business Manager Michael McMahon said: "Next week's legislative programme is likely to be more notable for what it leaves out than what it includes.
The Tories claimed the Scottish Government was on course to meet fewer than a quarter of key targets, prompting Conservative leader Annabel Goldie to accuse the Nationalists of "failing Scotland".
Liberal Democrat chief whip Mike Rumbles said: "This looks like another SNP legislative programme that isn't worthy of the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP government promised an Independence Bill and kept true to their word.
Before then of course, there is the debate on Wednesday about Megrahi's release and Kenny MacAskill has promised to make all correspondence available to the public. Anyone like to bet there will be at least some redacted documents if not some which the UK government refused permission to publish?
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18 comments:
Good to see we will have a chance to vote on this unlike the Lisbon treaty which both Labour and Lib-Dems reneged on in the big house.
The only question is what do the SNP do when their raison d'être has been taken away?
What a load of blethers the UK parties burble when there's no grown ups around to tell them to shut up.
As for the Labour comment... isn't the boss in London telling us that the economy is NOT faltering. There are green shoots everywhere. Doesn't this muppet McMahon read the briefings or listen to the radio?
Annabel, who I used to rate but who daily seems to become less and less credible as a serious leader should know that the reason that some of the targets have not been met is that we have a minority government in this country and we cannot steamroller legislation through without a thought for the consequences as they do in London. She, herself, has been partly responsible for the voting down of some of the legislation which would have kept the government on target.
As for the Lib Dems... well... they didn't really say much, did they, well nothing of consequence so not much point in commenting on it.
I fail completely to see what the problem is with having a referendum and clearing the air on the question of independence.
I know why Labour in the colonial parliament will not give us a referendum on Europe. It is because they will lose it as sure as eggs are eggs.
But the unionist parties are so sure they will win the independence referendum, so why don't they say "bring it on" ....?
Tris
I think Auntie Anna is out of the loop or is somehow vexed with whatever Cameron wants and she really is reduced to the carping, a la SLab.
The Libs, well 4 Libs, 6 opinions and 8 or 9 positions.
As for Slab and Grey....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................that says it all.
Fitaloon, ah, there's years of mileage in the independence referendum yet, so you won't get rid of me quickly. ;)
Hi Tris. I agree with you about Annabel, she's really getting well past her use-by date. Some of her soundbites are quite sad really. Bring on Derek Brownlee I say! Who said he was the minis-Swinney? lol
The unionists are petrified the percentage would be just over the 50 so they don't want the referendum.
As you say, if you were sure, then they'd be quite happy for it to go ahead.
If the debate is against then that's fine. I'd actually prefer that then the fact the unionists denied us the vote will play right into our hands.
You've noticed Annabel too then BL? Shame really. She ought to go before she begins to get outwardly ridiculed.
You listening Fitaloon? Have a wee word.:)
Just checking to see if my physiog is uploaded with my posts.
Is it BL? Hope so.
I say - two astute observations from Scottish Labour. The Westminster coffers will indeed be destabilised by the likely Independence restructuring from oil revenues currently enjoyed from UK taxation and as the SNP will not be rushed into their full agenda for Independent legislation and Constitutional change, next weeks programme at Holyrood must therefore leave out future initiatives. I presume that's what they mean as they are the only interpretations that makes sense - aren't they?
Dearie me - three stunning statements straight from the unionist School of Mealy-mouthed Muppetry - the LibDems don't count, they were ineligible for enrollment.
It occurs to me that the Labour lot are worrying about the unsettling effect that this talk of independence will have on inward investment.
I would have thought that not having a referendum in 2010 will simply mean that the uncertainty will go on.
I'm with you SR. We're in a win win situation.
Aye, Auntie Annabelle has not been herself lately and I've mentioned that fact a while back.
No, she's increasingly never been herself since that shoe horned installation of yon ex spook as chairman of the Scottish Conservative and Union Partei.
Himself is not of the non executive, hands off variety, you know. Poor wee Auntie Annabelle, the biggest stushie to hit Holyrood in recent times and there's herself in a quandry over the advice given to herself on what is permitted and what isn't to prevaricate on, subject wise.
Wasn't that chairman fella previously the spokesman of spooks anonymouse in charge of the meja dis information and damage limitation exercise on behalf of interested parties, official and otherwise round about Lockerbie. An official press release chappie, wasn't he?
...and then he was some sort of passport control office whatever in Washington, I believe.
Aye, poor Auntie Annabelle. No wonder she's lost the plot and looks confused and uncertain.
That often happens to folk when confronted with some what of a dubious nature and contrary to common sense advice to take heed of from erm advisors, that are in consultations with folk from elsewhere.
Aye, sad that when yer ain mind is fecked about with by those ye associate and 'consult' with.
Particularily when an ex spook always a spook, spin doctor and the subject of Lockerbie is concerned.
Aye, divided loyalties are one thing but when you have divided, divided loyalties and conflicting interests overseen by contrary special interest intelligence.
Aye, maybe you should find time to announce that you're to spend more time with your family. Making way for a creature of a more pliable persuasion by way of ethics and whatever to suit Westmidden's purpose.
Aye, that's a terrible dilema you have, Autie Annabelle. Which master do you serve? The Scottish parliament and the people who elected you to serve in their best interests? The Westmidden HQ? The unionist old order establishment or the soon to be new Westmidden order?
Uh Huh, what with that to contend with, ... and what you yourself would wish for, what with the principles and all doesn't quite square up, does it?
Aye,right enough. No wonder that good woman is looking increasing confused and befuddled. With so many masters and mistresses to please and accomodate,eh?
Well Wisnaeme,
What is nyour take on AM2, Andrew Moules, aka The Unionist?
Millbank?
Moulden sorry or is it Molden
Where cometh he and why?
I think I remember you saying that right enough wisnaeme. Shame for Annabel, she doesn't deserve to go out on a bum note.
The opposition add so much to important debate don't they Clarinda.
I often wonder if they have lists of sound bites so as they avoid thinking about the subject matter.
subrosa,
My name is John not Derek. How quickly you forget!
Morning David. Ooops erm... John. It really isn't courtesy to comment on a woman's lack of memory you know John, you too will become confused now and again some day. :)
Now you mention it though, I do remember you. And a good time was had by all. ;)
Perhaps you Scots need to call in Mel Bibson to scream "Freedom" at them.
Maybe shape them up a bit.
Take care,
Mike
ps: Best wishes to Scotland.
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