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Independence paper to be unveiled SNP outlines independence plans
(about 9 hours later)
Scotland's SNP government is to set out plans for a referendum on independence, despite opposition from other main political parties. Scotland's SNP government has set out its plans for a referendum on independence, despite opposition from other main political parties.
Ministers said Scots had the right to choose their future, but Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats said it was unwanted and a waste of money. Launching a "national conversation", First Minister Alex Salmond said "no change was no longer an option".
First Minister Alex Salmond will reveal the plans when he publishes a white paper in Edinburgh on Tuesday. The SNP leader said the white paper set out the "full range of options" which would be debated.
It aims to spark a "national conversation" on Scotland's future. Labour, Tories and Lib Dems, who hold a majority in the Scottish Parliament, have united to oppose independence.
In a broad, 40-page document, Mr Salmond is to set out the case for a ballot on independence, while remaining open-minded on alternative opinions. In a broad, 40-page document, Mr Salmond set out the case for a ballot on independence, while saying he was "open-minded" on alternative opinions.
We are putting our views forward as a government, but we are also embarking on a conversation to let the people of Scotland speak Alex SalmondFirst Minister The opportunity now presents itself for those who want another option in a referendum to define that option Alex SalmondFirst Minister class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=7125&edition=1">Send us your views
The move will come a day after Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems joined forces to claim the plan would damage Scotland by creating division and uncertainty. He claimed it was the "settled will" of the Scottish people for their parliament to grow in "influence and authority".
But, knowing the move lacks support at Holyrood where the SNP is in minority power, Mr Salmond will also canvass options including more powers for the Scottish Parliament. The white paper sets out what the SNP sees as the three main "realistic" choices for Scots.
These are: the present devolved set-up, re-designing devolution by extending the powers of the Scottish Parliament in specific areas - or full independence.
The white paper also includes the draft wording of the ballot paper for a referendum.
This asks voters whether they agree or disagree "that the Scottish government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of a United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state".
'Division and uncertainty'
However, Mr Salmond said he was "relaxed" about the possibility of a multi-option referendum.
He said: "The opportunity now presents itself for those who want another option in a referendum to define that option and present the case to the government for inclusion on the ballot paper".
The first minister unveiled his white paper the day after Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems joined forces to claim the plan would damage Scotland by creating division and uncertainty.
All the other parties aside from the Greens, who have two MSPs, are opposed to independence - but said they were willing to review devolution.All the other parties aside from the Greens, who have two MSPs, are opposed to independence - but said they were willing to review devolution.
The Nationalists have said that means the ground was shifting in their direction.
Looking forward
Prior to the paper being made public, Mr Salmond told BBC Scotland that it was a "very exciting day".
He said: "We are embarking on a national conversation for the people of Scotland looking at a range of options for Scotland's constitutional future.
"It's very exciting because even the other parties are having to react and say yes, there has to be some form of change.
"So, I think what we have learned so far, even before the national conversation has been launched, is that no change is no longer an option - things are going to get better, something is going to be done."
Mr Salmond added: "We are putting our views forward as a government, but we are also embarking on a conversation to let the people of Scotland speak."