Scottish government to publish referendum bill for consultation

The Scottish government will publish the Independence Referendum Bill for consultation by next week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The proposed bill was included in the Scottish government’s legislative programme for 2016-17.

Speaking at her party’s conference in Glasgow today, Ms Sturgeon said the legislation would “protect Scotland’s ability” to choose between independence and the UK.

She told conference delegates: “I am determined that Scotland will have the ability to reconsider the question of independence - and to do so before the UK leaves the EU - if that is necessary to protect our country’s interests.

“So I can confirm today that the Independence Referendum Bill will be published for consultation next week.

“You know, there’s not a day that passes just now without someone advising me to hurry up with a referendum. And there’s not a day that passes without someone advising me to slow down. Welcome to my world.

“But the responsibility of leadership is to act in the best interests of our country as a whole. The morning after the EU referendum, I said that I’d be guided at all times by a simple, clear test: What is best for the people of Scotland? That’s the principle that I will continue to be guided by - and I know I can on your support every step of the way.”