This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8385425.stm
The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| SNP outlining independence plans | SNP outlining independence plans |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| The Scottish Government is due to publish its white paper on Scotland's constitutional future, which could pave the way for an independence referendum. | The Scottish Government is due to publish its white paper on Scotland's constitutional future, which could pave the way for an independence referendum. |
| First Minister Alex Salmond is expected to argue Scotland must be independent to meet its full economic potential. | First Minister Alex Salmond is expected to argue Scotland must be independent to meet its full economic potential. |
| But the minority SNP administration does not have enough support to pass a referendum bill as Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems all oppose the plan. | But the minority SNP administration does not have enough support to pass a referendum bill as Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems all oppose the plan. |
| But the process could see Holyrood gain more power over taxation and spending. | But the process could see Holyrood gain more power over taxation and spending. |
| The white paper is being launched on ST Andrew's Day and comes after the SNP government began its "national conversation" on Scotland's future. | |
| 'More responsibility' | 'More responsibility' |
| The first minister has also previously said he would consider a referendum question on more powers for the Scottish Parliament. | The first minister has also previously said he would consider a referendum question on more powers for the Scottish Parliament. |
| But he is expected to make the case for a substantially enhanced role for devolution, on issues such as empowering Holyrood with full fiscal autonomy. | But he is expected to make the case for a substantially enhanced role for devolution, on issues such as empowering Holyrood with full fiscal autonomy. |
| Details of the final wording on the ballot paper will be released next year, with the publication of the Referendum Bill. | Details of the final wording on the ballot paper will be released next year, with the publication of the Referendum Bill. |
| Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats have urged Mr Salmond to drop the referendum plan and focus on more immediate issues, such as tackling the recession. | Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats have urged Mr Salmond to drop the referendum plan and focus on more immediate issues, such as tackling the recession. |
| The launch will come in the wake of proposals by the UK government to hand more responsibility to Holyrood, including some tax powers, in the wake of the Calman Commission review of devolution. | The launch will come in the wake of proposals by the UK government to hand more responsibility to Holyrood, including some tax powers, in the wake of the Calman Commission review of devolution. |