UK News

Cameron seeks to seize initiative on issue of Scotland referendum

Jan 9, 2012, 18:00 GMT

A file photo of British Prime Minister David Cameron. EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA

London - The British government Monday attempted to force the pace on a planned independence referendum in Scotland by suggesting that any such move should happen within 18 months.

The government of Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed that the issue of the timing of a referendum in Scotland had been discussed in cabinet, in order to end the 'uncertainty' over the planned move.

Scotland's regional government, which is led by Alex Salmond from the strongly pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), is committed to holding a referendum on whether or not to break the union forged with England more than three centuries ago.

Critics have said any move towards Scottish independence could mark the beginning of the break-up of the United Kingdom, which also includes the regions of Wales and Northern Ireland.

By taking the initiative and suggesting that a Scottish referendum should be held sooner rather than later, and that its key question should be limited to a straight 'yes' or 'no' to independence, Cameron has taken a high-risk political gamble, political analysts said Monday.

By forcing the Scots' hand in a referendum, Cameron, as the leader of a British national government, could trigger a result he does not want. On the other hand, an early vote before the middle of 2013 could guarantee Scottish rejection of the proposals.

Although the SNP has been campaigning for independence, opinion polls have consistently shown that only a third of the Scottish population back the idea of full independence.

The British government said it would publish legal advice on the issue later this week. Meanwhile, Salmond's deputy in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, accused Cameron of 'interfering' in Scottish affairs.

Scotland, and the regional parliaments of Wales and Northern Ireland, were granted greater lawmaking powers under devolution plans initiated by former Labour prime minister Tony Blair in the mid-1990s.

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