MSPs to endorse referendum powers

Dec 5 2012

The legal power giving Holyrood responsibility to stage the independence referendum is expected to be endorsed.

MSPs will be asked to back the technical measure, known as a section 30 order, which was unanimously supported by a Holyrood committee.

The intention to grant temporary legal powers to hold a referendum that is beyond effective legal challenge follows the so-called Edinburgh agreement between the Scottish and British governments in October.

Supporting the plan last month, Referendum Bill Committee convener Bruce Crawford said: "The evidence heard by this committee reflects this is indeed a historic moment on the path to a referendum.

"Importantly, the evidence also demonstrates a consensus of political and expert opinion that the order will put the legality of a referendum Bill beyond effective legal challenge.

"To me one of the key features of the Edinburgh agreement is that it commits both governments to working together constructively after the referendum, whatever the outcome.

"In the same spirit, I would like to commend the whole committee for the very constructive and responsible way in which it has so far gone about its task."