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SNP to outline referendum plans SNP outlines plans for referendum
(about 3 hours later)
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond will announce an independence referendum bill as the centrepiece of the SNP's plans for the coming year. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has announced an independence referendum bill as the centrepiece of the SNP's plans for the coming year.
Ministers are also planning legislation on minimum pricing for alcohol and the new Forth bridge. The Scottish Government wants to stage the independence referendum in 2010.
However, the referendum plan as it stands would be rejected because of a lack of parliamentary support.However, the referendum plan as it stands would be rejected because of a lack of parliamentary support.
Mr Salmond will reveal details of a total of 13 bills, marking the start of the SNP's third legislative session. Mr Salmond revealed details of a total of 13 bills, including minimum alcohol pricing, marking the start of the SNP's third legislative session.
Other measures will include housing and crofting reform. The first minister said: "Independence is the key to unlocking Scotland's full potential and giving our nation the best opportunity for prosperity.
The announcements will be followed by a parliamentary debate at Holyrood. "Independence is at the very heart of our nation's future success, and giving Scotland the chance to choose the economic levers that come with independence has never been more relevant or urgent."
Referendum options 'Pocket money prices'
The government wants to stage the independence referendum in 2010, and has urged Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats not to deny voters the right to a say on independence.
Mr Salmond has suggested an option to increase the Scottish Parliament's powers, in the wake of the Calman Commission review of devolution, could be included in the referendum.
Opposition parties at Holyrood will dissect the government programme
Meanwhile, the government's minimum pricing strategy aims to stop high-strength alcohol being sold for "pocket money prices" without affecting premium products like Scotch whisky.
That plan has also run into opposition, but ministers said tough action must be taken to cut the cost of Scotland's alcohol problem, which they estimate costs the country £2.25bn per year.
The proposed pricing changes have also won support from the UK's four chief medical officers.
Labour has claimed an independence referendum would destabilise an already faltering economy, and said ministers needed to take more action to cope with the recession.Labour has claimed an independence referendum would destabilise an already faltering economy, and said ministers needed to take more action to cope with the recession.
The Tories said the legislative programme showed the SNP was "failing Scotland", while the Liberal Democrats said it was not "worthy" of the Scottish Parliament.The Tories said the legislative programme showed the SNP was "failing Scotland", while the Liberal Democrats said it was not "worthy" of the Scottish Parliament.
But the SNP claimed it was building on success, having already delivered half its "headline" election manifesto commitments in government. Other bills put before the parliament include a minimum pricing strategy aimed at stopping high-strength alcohol being sold for "pocket money prices", without affecting premium products like Scotch whisky.
These included freezing council tax, cutting business rates, abolishing bridge tolls and scrapping tuition fees. That plan has run into opposition, but ministers said tough action must be taken to cut the cost of Scotland's alcohol problem, which they estimate costs the country £2.25bn per year.
There will also be a bill for a replacement of the Forth crossing, building a new bridge to the west of the current road crossing.
A housing bill would end the right-to-buy for all new-supply social housing and there will be a bill to give patients greater rights on waiting times in the NHS.
The bills unveiled by Mr Salmond were:
• Alcohol Bill
• Budget Bill
• Children's Hearings Bill
• Crofting Reform Bill
• Debt and Family Homes Bill
• Debtor Protection Bill
• Forth Crossing Bill
• Historic Environment (Amendment) Bill
• Housing Bill
• Legal Services Bill
• Patients' Rights Bill
• Referendum Bill
• Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill