Salmond meets UK minister to discuss independence poll
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Salmond will sit down today with the Scottish Secretary, Michael Moore, for the first discussions between the British and Scottish governments on plans for an independence referendum.
Aides to Mr Moore downplayed expectations of any significant announcements emerging from the meeting and said they expected "several" further rounds of talks in the coming months.
The Scottish First Minister's advisers insisted that plans for an independence referendum must have "no strings attached" from Westminster.
Coalition ministers have said a vote on whether Scotland should remain in the UK should take place sooner rather than later. However the SNP administration in Edinburgh does not want the vote on the country's constitutional future to be held until autumn 2014.
There could also be disagreement over the Scottish Government's refusal to rule out including a third option of greatly enhanced powers for Holyrood – or "devo-max" – on the ballot paper.
Mr Salmond has already said he wants to ask voters: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?" A spokesman for the First Minister said: "We have put our detailed proposals for the referendum out to consultation so that matters such as a possible devo-max option, and votes for 16- and 17-year-olds, can be discussed and decided with people across Scottish society."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments