Local politicians are polls apart in independence referendum
Published 22 Oct 2012 09:30
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LOCAL MP Michael Moore signed an historic deal to deliver an independence referendum in Scotland in 2014 - and then revealed he would do all he could to stop the break-up of the United Kingdom.
The Galashiels based Liberal Democrat politician, who handled the negotiations in his role as Secretary of State for Scotland, welcomed the agreement which will see just one Yes/No question on the ballot paper and the Scottish Government given free reign to decide the poll date.
He said: "I personally will be making the case for Scotland's ongoing place in the UK family because we are better, stronger and safer together and I firmly believe that Scots will vote positively for that future.
"As a Liberal Democrat I am committed to the ongoing process of devolution and I will be campaigning passionately against the break-up of the UK which would herald the end of this process."
For the first time Holyrood will also be free to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in the referendum - expected to be held on Saturday, October 18 2014.
SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, Paul Wheelhouse, believes the Borders would be better off in an independent Scotland. He said: "While the agreement sets out the general principles for the running of the referendum, it now allows for a fully informed debate on what an independent Scotland will mean for people in the Scottish Borders and the opportunities open to us all thereafter to make Scotland become the place to live that we all would like it to be."
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 23 Oct 12
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