Union criticises Moore's demands
Thursday 30 August 2012
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EmailScottish union leader Dave Moxham criticised wrangling between Westminster and Holyrood over the independence referendum process today in the run-up to the STUC's A Just Scotland consultation event.
STUC deputy general secretary Mr Moxham said Scotland Secretary Michael Moore's demand for First Minister Alex Salmond to urgently agree terms with Westminster on the referendum process was "more a case of upping the ante than seeking a clear resolution."
He said: "We want the process part of the independence referendum to be resolved - but claiming to want a negotiated agreement whilst unilaterally ruling out a second question on increased powers is not helpful.
"Contrary to Michael Moore's view, there is no impediment to discussing the issues, which is precisely what our 250 trade unionists and community activists will be doing as we kick off our A Just Scotland consultation events on Saturday."
In a speech to business leaders in Edinburgh today Mr Moore called on the Scottish government to accept a section 30 order empowering the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum.
"The sooner we can get the process issues out of the way and get on to the great debate itself, the better for everyone, and the less damaging the uncertainty will be."
Mr Moore said that the Scottish government had been elected on the promise of a single-question independence referendum.
He claimed: "All of Scotland's political parties support that and the UK government will work with the Scottish government to deliver it."
A Scottish government spokesman said: "It is only right that matters such as 'more powers' and votes for 16 and 17-year-olds are carefully considered.
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