McMillan Welcomes Referendum Announcement

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that the independence referendum will be held in the Autumn of 2014 and urged people across West Scotland to join the debate.
　
Mr McMillan MSP said:

"The people of West Scotland will have the exciting opportunity to vote in a referendum on Scotland's future in 2014.

"This is a major opportunity to ensure that that the decisions about Scotland are taken by the people of Scotland and I hope everyone will take part.

"The last three days have seen the Tories, the Lib-Dems and Labour all try to muscle in on the referendum, so I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to a referendum made in Scotland by the Scottish people and Scottish Parliament.

"It is also right that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum. The SNP has long believed that people who are entitled by law to work full time, get married and pay taxes should have a say in how their country is run and in the future of that country.

"It is absolutely vital therefore that our 16 and 17 year olds have a say in the biggest single decision Scotland will have taken in 300 years. Our young people are our future, they have a right to express their view at the ballot box.

"Above all, this is a matter for Scotland. The people gave the SNP a mandate to run this referendum. The Tories, Lib-Dems and Labour would do well to come to terms with that fact and respect the people’s decision."