Independence paper to be released

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First Minister Alex Salmond is to publish a white paper proposing a Scottish independence referendum.

The document will be released in about two weeks' time as part of the SNP's plans to mark 100 days in power, it is understood.

But speaking to the BBC, Mr Salmond conceded that the political arithmetic in the Scottish Parliament meant he would have some persuading to do.

He claimed about 50 of the 129 MSPs were in favour of independence.