Scottish leader reveals ‘clear’ question for referendum

Meanwhile, Mr Salmond vowed that the people of Scotland will be asked a straightforward question in the referendum on whether they agree that the country should be independent of the UK.

In a speech timed to coincide with Burns Night – an important occasion for Scots – the Scottish leader said the question for the vote he wants to take place in 2014 was short, straightforward and clear.

“The question is: ‘Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?”‘, he said to applause from some lawmakers at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Salmond said Scots could also be asked if they approve a third option, of increased autonomy but stopping short of full independence.

The wording of the questions is central to his Scottish National Party government’s consultation on the referendum, which he launched by declaring it would be the most important decision made by Scots for 300 years.

People who live in Scotland should have the right to vote on whether to break from the United Kingdom, Mr Salmond said, appearing to rule out a vote for members of the sizeable Scottish communities around the world.

“The people who live and work in Scotland are best-placed to decide its future,” he said.

“Independence, in essence, is based on a simple idea.

“The people who care most about Scotland – that is the people who live, work and bring up their families in the country – should be the ones taking the decision about our nation’s future.”

Mr Salmond re-iterated that his government intended to hold the referendum in autumn 2014, a date strongly opposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who wants to hold the vote as soon as possible.

Polls show that only a third of Scots currently back independence.

Mr Salmond said that 16 and 17-year-olds should be eligible to cast ballots in the referendum, and asks for views on this in the consultation.

“If a 16-year-old in Scotland can register to join the army, get married and pay taxes, surely he or she should be able to have a say in this country’s constitutional future,” he said.

While the consultation proposes one question, Mr Salmond said the referendum could include a second one asking if people want greatly enhanced powers for the Scottish Parliament – an option dubbed “devo-max”.

The British government and opposition parties in Scotland want voters to be given a straight choice on remaining in the United Kingdom or becoming independent.