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Scottish independence: SNP confirms referendum question Scottish independence: SNP confirms referendum question
(about 2 hours later)
The Scottish government is to confirm the wording of the question it plans to put to the people of Scotland in the independence referendum. The Scottish government has confirmed the wording of the question it plans to put to the people of Scotland in the independence referendum.
People will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" to the question: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"People will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" to the question: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"
The question will now be scrutinised by the Electoral Commission watchdog.The question will now be scrutinised by the Electoral Commission watchdog.
Critics of the question say it encourages a "yes" vote by not mentioning an end to the Union.Critics of the question say it encourages a "yes" vote by not mentioning an end to the Union.
Scottish ministers first announced their preferred wording for the question in January.Scottish ministers first announced their preferred wording for the question in January.
They will confirm on Friday they have decided to stick to the wording and will formally submit it to the Electoral Commission. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has written to the Electoral Commission asking them to test the Scottish government's preferred wording.
The Electoral Commission, an independent body, will test the question in focus groups to decide whether it is fair and easily understood, although the government and parliament is not bound by its conclusions. The Electoral Commission, an independent body, will test the question in focus groups to decide whether it is fair and easily understood.
The final wording will be included in a Bill at Holyrood in spring of next year. The final wording will be included in a bill at Holyrood in the spring of next year.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The question will be tested to check that it is easy to understand, to the point and unambiguous.
"The Electoral Commission are experts in question testing and will use focus groups and gather views from experts in accessibility and plain language, and others who have an interest in the referendum and its outcome, before reporting on the proposed question."
The Scottish government has insisted that the parliament at Holyrood will have the final say on the recommendations from the Electoral Commission.
Ms Sturgeon added: "Once they have reported back it will then be for the Scottish parliament to decide the final wording of the question on the ballot paper."
There have been calls from the SNP's opponents for a redrafting of the question to include the options "I agree" and "I disagree".There have been calls from the SNP's opponents for a redrafting of the question to include the options "I agree" and "I disagree".
The Scottish Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders had previously called for an independent commission or elections expert to draft the question.The Scottish Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders had previously called for an independent commission or elections expert to draft the question.
The referendum - due to be held in autumn 2014 - came after the UK and Scottish governments recently signed a deal on its terms, known as the Edinburgh Agreement.The referendum - due to be held in autumn 2014 - came after the UK and Scottish governments recently signed a deal on its terms, known as the Edinburgh Agreement.