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| SNP reveal independence question | SNP reveal independence question |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| The SNP has revealed the wording of the question it would pose in an independence referendum if it gains control at the Holyrood elections. | |
| It comes as the party clarified its timetable for holding a referendum. | |
| Voters would be asked if they wanted to negotiate a new settlement with the UK Government so that Scotland becomes a sovereign and independent state. | Voters would be asked if they wanted to negotiate a new settlement with the UK Government so that Scotland becomes a sovereign and independent state. |
| The question would be put "close to the end" of a four-year term and the cost could be about £7m. | The question would be put "close to the end" of a four-year term and the cost could be about £7m. |
| SNP leader Alex Salmond revealed his plans for the referendum in a Sunday newspaper. | |
| DRAFT INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM QUESTION The Scottish Parliament should negotiate a new settlement with the British government, based on the proposals set out in the white paper, so that Scotland becomes a sovereign and independent stateThe responses would be 'Yes I agree' or 'No I disagree' | |
| He confirmed to the Sunday Herald that the Nationalists would aim for a ballot at the end of an SNP-led administration. | |
| He told the paper: "I'm persuaded the key argument is about the SNP building up credibility in government, which is the essential requirement to win an independence referendum. | |
| "The referendum would be close to the end of the four-year term." | |
| It is understood the process for a vote would see a white paper being laid before Holyrood in the first 100 days after this May's parliamentary election, followed by a bill giving the choice of independence, leading to a referendum to be held by 2010. | |
| Treaty negotiation | |
| Mr Salmond confirmed that a draft question had been agreed asking voters whether they backed the creation of a sovereign and independent Scotland. | |
| A Yes vote would begin the process of Holyrood negotiation to end the 1701 Treaty of Union. | |
| Mr Salmond added: "That is the argument to transfer full political and economic control to Scotland, not to interfere with either the monarchy or social union between England and Scotland. | |
| "The two countries will be independent but with the same head of state." | |
| On the question of expense, the SNP estimate that the referendum would cost about £7m, which they say is comparable to the devolution referendum cost of £5m in 1999. |