The Scottish independence referendum will be held on 18 September 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond has said.

He revealed the date as draft legislation on holding the vote was brought before the Scottish Parliament.

Voters will be asked the yes/no question, “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

The Scottish government said it was a historic day, but opposition parties have accused the SNP of keeping voters in the dark for too long.

Scots ministers previously only said the referendum would take place in autumn 2014.

Announcing the date while speaking in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Mr Salmond said: “It’s worth reflecting, just for a moment, on the privilege this nation and this generation will have – nothing less than choosing the future course of our country.

Diary dates for 2014

When? What?
22-25 May European Parliament elections
24 June 700th Anniversary of Battle of Bannockburn
23 July – 3 August Glasgow Commonwealth Games
28 July 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI
18 September Referendum on Scottish independence
26-28 September Ryder Cup at Gleneagles

“We have been on a journey since 1999, since the restoration of our parliament here in the heart of our ancient capital. We’ve witnessed a growing confidence, an increase in democratic accountability.

“I’m honoured to announce that, on Thursday the 18th of September 2014, we will hold Scotland’s referendum – a historic day when the people will decide Scotland’s future.”

MSPs will need to approve the arrangements for the vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill, although the SNP’s parliamentary majority means the passage of the legislation is assured.

Scottish ministers – who will publish their substantive case for independence in a white paper later this year – say a “Yes” vote will allow Scotland to use its natural assets to build a better country.

Opposition parties who support the Union – Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, argue Scotland is better off as part of the wider UK.

Reacting to the date Johan Lamont, leader of Scottish Labour, said: “The truth is, Alex Salmond knows if he held the referendum now, he wouldn’t just lose it, he would be routed.

“All the self-aggrandizement of today isn’t just a sign of the first minister’s usual pomposity.

“Making an occasion out of a delayed announcement is an attempt to con the people into believing that we have moved a step towards independence when we haven’t.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson welcomed the clarity provided by the date, adding: “I believe that, in September of next year, the people of Scotland will vote to stay within our United Kingdom.

“Recognising that the autonomy the Scottish Parliament has in areas such as health, social care education and justice, allied with the strength of being part of a larger UK family, the safety and security of our intelligence services, the international standing from our diplomatic corps and the advantages of being one of the largest economies in the planet means Scotland can make a positive choice for devolution – the very best of both worlds – not opt for separation.”

Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, told MSPs: “I’m sure the first minister is excited by today’s events, but after all the build up, this looks like one of those occasions where the trailer’s more exciting than the movie.

“It’s taken the first minister almost 700 days to get the Cabinet to agree to the date of the referendum – why on earth does he think it will take him less time to break up the country?”

The Scottish government has already introduced separate draft legislation to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the ballot.

BBC

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