BBC Learning English
Words in the News
Scottish independence referendum
26th January 2012
Words in the News
© British Broadcasting Corporation 2012
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Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has set out his plans for a referendum on Scottish
independence. The Westminster government has its own ideas on how the referendum
should be held and has already published its own consultation document. The BBC's
Scotland Correspondent Colin Blane reports:
Alex Salmond's statement to the Scottish Parliament is the latest stage in the
manoeuvring between Westminster and Edinburgh for control of the referendum
process. Mr Salmond wants a simple question on independence but he'd also like the
possibility of another question about further powers for the Scottish Parliament short of
full separation. And he's expected to restate the SNP's argument that 16 and 17 year-
olds should be allowed to vote.
There are signs that the Scottish government may be willing to negotiate to reach
agreement with Westminster to make sure the referendum is legal. The two sides are to
hold talks on the details of the ballot. It looks as if Mr Salmond won't object to the
process being supervised by the UK electoral commission.
BBC Scotland Correpondent, Colin Blane
