McMillan Welcomes Referendum Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s consultation on an independence referendum.

Mr. McMillan is also encouraging people in Inverclyde to submit their views to the process.

As well as a decision on Scottish independence, the draft referendum bill proposes to give people in Scotland the option of deciding on whether the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament should be increased. The public consultation will seek views from across Scotland on whether the option for an increase in devolved powers should be based on the proposals contained in the Calman Commission’s report or the alternative of ‘Devo Max’ outlined as part of the Scottish Government’s National Conversation.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Obviously I hope people in the whole of Scotland choose yes-yes when it comes to having their say but there’s no need to wait until then.

"I believe it is only right and proper that people in Inverclyde have their say on the future of their country and this consultation is a step in that direction.

"The Scottish Government have been listening to the voluntary sector, trade unions and businesses all over the country as part of the National Conversation and now even more people have their chance to make their voice heard.

"The importance of referendums on constitutional matters across the UK is clear, with the National Assembly for Wales having voted unanimously for a referendum to extend its powers, and Westminster backing a referendum on reforming the electoral system. There is no reason why Scotland should be treated differently, or less democratically.

"'Yes-Yes' was the winning campaign in 1997 – and will be a winning campaign for Scotland again. The case for an independent Scotland is stronger and more urgent following the economic crisis. It is exactly the powers and flexibility offered by independence that Scotland needs in order to support recovery now, and deal effectively with the challenges and opportunities of the future. But I recognise that there are also those who argue that the responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament should be extended in more limited ways.

"I cannot stress how important it is for people to make their voice heard and I hope as many people as possible in Inverclyde have their say in the consultation process."