Independence debate 'needs space'

Jan 30 2012

A campaign has been launched to gather views from across Scotland on the country's constitutional future, including the possibility of a middle-ground option short of independence.

The movement, consisting of a coalition of various civic organisations, brings together the voluntary sector, churches, students and the business community, among others.

The coalition stressed that while it would consider the so-called devo-plus option, devolving more powers to Holyrood but stopping short of full independence, its campaign will not push for any particular outcome or argue for a second question on a referendum ballot paper.

Speaking at the launch, Alison Elliot, convener of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, said it has become "practically impossible to move" in the current debate "without being accused of being on one side or the other".

She said: "We need to shift the debate on the future of Scotland from powers, legality and timing to consider what we want Scotland to look like in the future, how we could do things differently and how to engage more people in this historic discussion.

"So far we have only heard from those who have a fixed idea of the result they want in the referendum and who seek to narrow the debate. This coalition will build a wide-reaching, transparent discussion about the future of our country that considers people's aspirations and the challenges they face."

She added: "This is not about making the case for independence, devolution, status quo or anything in between. We do not have a fixed view about the outcome of the referendum. We want to open up everyone's minds to consider all options."

The coalition follows the launch of the Scottish Government's own independence referendum consultation last week. The Government proposes asking: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?" First Minister Alex Salmond said the ballot could also include the option of greatly-enhanced powers for Holyrood.

The coalition also has the support of two think-tanks: Reform Scotland and Centre for Public Policy. Reform Scotland has already set out its proposals for a devolution-plus model which would stop short of independence.

The coalition will launch its website this week and has organised a conference for March.