Menu
09/11/2012
Scottish Referendum Question Confirmed
The exact wording of the Scottish independence question has been announced.
The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
The question will be "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?", the answer to which can be "yes" or "no".
The Electoral Commission watchdog will now scrutinise the question.
Critics argue the question is leading, because it does not mention an end to the union.
The preferred wording for the question was announced by the SNP in January.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has asked the Electoral Commission to test the Scottish government's wording. When confirmed, it will be included in a bill at the Scottish parliament next year.
"The question will be tested to check that it is easy to understand, to the point and unambiguous,” she said.
"The Electoral Commission are experts in question testing and will use focus groups and gather views from experts in accessibility and plain language, and others who have an interest in the referendum and its outcome, before reporting on the proposed question.
"Once they have reported back, it will then be for the Scottish parliament to decide the final wording of the question on the ballot paper."
SNP opponents have claimed the option’s to the question’s answer should be "I agree" and "I disagree".
(IT/GK)
The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
The question will be "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?", the answer to which can be "yes" or "no".
The Electoral Commission watchdog will now scrutinise the question.
Critics argue the question is leading, because it does not mention an end to the union.
The preferred wording for the question was announced by the SNP in January.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has asked the Electoral Commission to test the Scottish government's wording. When confirmed, it will be included in a bill at the Scottish parliament next year.
"The question will be tested to check that it is easy to understand, to the point and unambiguous,” she said.
"The Electoral Commission are experts in question testing and will use focus groups and gather views from experts in accessibility and plain language, and others who have an interest in the referendum and its outcome, before reporting on the proposed question.
"Once they have reported back, it will then be for the Scottish parliament to decide the final wording of the question on the ballot paper."
SNP opponents have claimed the option’s to the question’s answer should be "I agree" and "I disagree".
(IT/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2013
Record High For Scotland's Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has said Scotland generated 7% more renewable energy in 2012 than the previous year. In its latest report, it said 14,600 Gigawatt hours were generated in Scotland from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro.
Record High For Scotland's Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has said Scotland generated 7% more renewable energy in 2012 than the previous year. In its latest report, it said 14,600 Gigawatt hours were generated in Scotland from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro.
03 March 2004
Scottish AA jobs in question
The future for over 200 workers at one of the AA's Scottish offices were in the balance today over plans to close its Renfrewshire centre.
Scottish AA jobs in question
The future for over 200 workers at one of the AA's Scottish offices were in the balance today over plans to close its Renfrewshire centre.
11 January 2012
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
23 May 2013
14-Year-Old Rescued From Chimney
A 14-year-old boy has been rescued from a chimney by firefighters who had to dismantle to the 20ft stack brick by brick. The boy was wedged inside the chimney of a single-storey building in Cassels Street, Carluke, South Lanarkshire, but it is not yet known how the boy fell down the chimney.
14-Year-Old Rescued From Chimney
A 14-year-old boy has been rescued from a chimney by firefighters who had to dismantle to the 20ft stack brick by brick. The boy was wedged inside the chimney of a single-storey building in Cassels Street, Carluke, South Lanarkshire, but it is not yet known how the boy fell down the chimney.
29 June 2012
Employers Get Support For Graduate Jobs
A new pilot scheme in Scotalnd to support graduate recruitment and business growth has been launched by the Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Dumfries and Galloway can now receive up to £3,000 to take on a graduate in a permanent post.
Employers Get Support For Graduate Jobs
A new pilot scheme in Scotalnd to support graduate recruitment and business growth has been launched by the Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Dumfries and Galloway can now receive up to £3,000 to take on a graduate in a permanent post.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
