SNP unveils referendum question

The question "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?" and its "Yes" or "No" responses will now be sent to the Electoral Commission for testing.

The wording caused controversy when it was initially revealed in January, with some critics arguing there was a bias in favour of a Yes vote.

However Nicola Sturgeon said the referendum would meet the highest international standards.

"The question will be tested to check that it is easy to understand, to the point and unambiguous," she said.

"The Electoral Commission are experts in question testing and will use focus groups and gather views from experts in accessibility and plain language and others who have an interest in the referendum and its outcome before reporting on the proposed question."

Deputy First Minister Sturgeon said that analysis of the 26,000 responses to the government's consultation on the referendum revealed that 64 per cent of respondents broadly agreed with this wording.

Electoral Commissioner for Scotland John McCormick said: "We will assess the referendum question to see whether voters find it clear, simple and neutral.

"If it isn't, we'll say what needs to be done."

The leaders of the main Scottish opposition parties, Labour's Johann Lamont, Conservative Ruth Davidson and Lib Dem Willie Rennie, issued a joint statement saying: "It is vital that the referendum properly reflects the will of the Scottish people.

"We look forward to hearing the views of the Electoral Commission and will abide by its ruling. It is our hope that the SNP government will also follow the Electoral Commission's decision and publicly commit to its ruling.

"As an independent arbiter, the Electoral Commission is the best judge of what question will allow for a fair, legal and decisive referendum."

The Electoral Commission will report its findings on the question before the Referendum Bill is considered by the Scottish Parliament in spring 2013.

The Parliament will then decide on the final wording of the question.