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Lib Dem MSP calls for referendum Lib Dem MSP calls for referendum
(10 minutes later)
A Liberal Democrat MSP has broken ranks with his party leader to call for an independence referendum.A Liberal Democrat MSP has broken ranks with his party leader to call for an independence referendum.
In a BBC interview, Highlands MSP John Farquhar Munro said the sooner a vote was held the better.In a BBC interview, Highlands MSP John Farquhar Munro said the sooner a vote was held the better.
Mr Farquhar Munro said the debate on Scotland's future had gone far enough and the question now had to be settled. Mr Munro said the debate on Scotland's future had gone far enough and the question now had to be settled.
He said he favoured a straight yes/no choice on independence rather than multiple options, which he claimed would "muddy the waters".He said he favoured a straight yes/no choice on independence rather than multiple options, which he claimed would "muddy the waters".
I think the sooner it happens, the better John Farquhar MunroI think the sooner it happens, the better John Farquhar Munro
Mr Farquhar Munro told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland: "I think that it's been debated for long enough. Mr Munro told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland: "I think that it's been debated for long enough.
"For many years we've been hearing about the possibility of independence for Scotland through a referendum - through the result of a referendum."For many years we've been hearing about the possibility of independence for Scotland through a referendum - through the result of a referendum.
"I think the sooner it happens, the better, so we establish a position - clear the air as it were - and we find out whether we are going to go ahead with an independent Scotland or whether the status quo will remain.""I think the sooner it happens, the better, so we establish a position - clear the air as it were - and we find out whether we are going to go ahead with an independent Scotland or whether the status quo will remain."
His party leader Tavish Scott has already ruled out supporting a referendum during the economic crisis.His party leader Tavish Scott has already ruled out supporting a referendum during the economic crisis.
But Mr Farquhar Munro said he believed the wider party would back a public vote. But Mr Munro said he believed the wider party would back a public vote.
The SNP needs the Liberal Democrats on side to push a referendum bill through parliament.The SNP needs the Liberal Democrats on side to push a referendum bill through parliament.
Nationalist MSP Alasdair Allan said Mr Farquhar Munro's comments were "very welcome".Nationalist MSP Alasdair Allan said Mr Farquhar Munro's comments were "very welcome".
He said: "The people of Scotland deserve the right to decide the constitutional future of the nation and John Farquhar clearly holds that opinion."He said: "The people of Scotland deserve the right to decide the constitutional future of the nation and John Farquhar clearly holds that opinion."
Dr Allan claimed that the comments also showed the Liberal Democrats were "all over the place".Dr Allan claimed that the comments also showed the Liberal Democrats were "all over the place".