Scottish Independence: SNP To Change Question

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

Scotland's SNP Government is to change the referendum question it will ask people on independence.

The move comes after the Electoral Commission found that the SNP's preferred choice was not neutral enough.

The Scottish Nationalists wanted to ask people: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country? Yes/No".

The independent elections watchdog conducted a wide-ranging assessment of the question and found that the words "Do you agree" potentially encouraged people to vote yes.

The Electoral Commission believes that more neutral wording be used and recommended: "Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes/No."

Deputy SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "While its view is that our proposed question was clear, simple and easy to understand, I am nevertheless happy to accept their recommended change."

Sturgeon: 'Considerable weight' will be given to watchdog recommendations

John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland, told Sky News: "We have rigorously tested the proposed question, speaking to a wide range of people across Scotland.

"Any referendum question must be, and be seen to be, neutral. People told us that they felt the words "Do you agree" could lead voters towards voting 'yes'.

"People had a clear understanding that "independent country" meant being separate from the UK but they did want factual information in advance about what will happen after the referendum. 

"We're asking the UK and Scottish Government to provide that clarity and then make sure it gets to voters as part of our public awareness campaign."

In theory, the Scottish Government could have ignored the thoughts of the Electoral Commission, but it has accepted the recommendations on the referendum question.

The Electoral Commission also published advice on campaign spending limits.

It has recommended that the lead campaign teams are restricted to £1.5m and that Holyrood's parliamentary parties spend according to the size of their representation in the Scottish Parliament.

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