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SNP outlines plans for referendum SNP outlines plans for referendum
(29 minutes later)
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has announced 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.
The Scottish Government wants to stage the independence referendum in 2010.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 plan as it stands would be rejected because of a lack of parliamentary support.
Mr Salmond revealed details of a total of 13 bills, including minimum alcohol pricing, 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.
The first minister said: "Independence is the key to unlocking Scotland's full potential and giving our nation the best opportunity for prosperity. The first minister told MSPs there was a "consensus for change" on Scotland's constitutional status.
"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." He said: "I want Scotland to have the same responsibilities and opportunities as similar nations.
'Pocket money prices' "Until we can use all the economic and financial levers available to every other government in the world, Scotland will always be at a competitive disadvantage."
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. It is a flagship begging to be scuttled Iain GrayScottish Labour leader
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. Mr Salmond said he had been "very proud" to lead the Scottish Government but warned a "glass ceiling" threatened to stall the country's progress.
"This government was elected with a popular mandate to put the question of Scotland's future to the vote in a referendum," he said.
"It is time for the people of Scotland to have their say. Not everyone will agree with our vision for the future, we know that.
"But the people of Scotland must be heard. This parliament should not stand in their way - let the people speak."
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said the SNP's priorities should be the economy and crime.
Mr Gray said: "This year's flagship, the referendum bill, was preannounced last year. It starts with even less support than the late unlamented council tax bill of last year.
"With its rigged question to suit the SNP, its rigged timetable to suit the SNP and its misplaced prioritisation to suit the SNP, it is a flagship begging to be scuttled."
Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie said Mr Salmond had chosen "posturing" over confronting the challenges facing Scotland.
She said he was a "lone voice representing a minority view".
Alcohol problem
The Liberal Democrats said the legislative programme was not "worthy" of the Scottish Parliament.
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.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.
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.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.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.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:The bills unveiled by Mr Salmond were:
• Alcohol Bill• Alcohol Bill
• Budget Bill• Budget Bill
• Children's Hearings Bill• Children's Hearings Bill
• Crofting Reform Bill• Crofting Reform Bill
• Debt and Family Homes Bill• Debt and Family Homes Bill
• Debtor Protection Bill• Debtor Protection Bill
• Forth Crossing Bill• Forth Crossing Bill
• Historic Environment (Amendment) Bill• Historic Environment (Amendment) Bill
• Housing Bill• Housing Bill
• Legal Services Bill• Legal Services Bill
• Patients' Rights Bill• Patients' Rights Bill
• Referendum Bill• Referendum Bill
• Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill• Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill