Lib Dems: no to independence vote

Activists backed Tavish Scott's opposition to the referendum bill

The Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed their opposition to the SNP's proposed referendum on Scottish independence.

Activists meeting in Dunfermline, Fife, criticised the way the nationalists have suggested wording the questions.

The minority SNP government hopes to hold a referendum in 2010, but needs the support of other parties to pass its referendum bill at Holyrood.

The Lib Dems have been reviewing their position after some members suggested they should back a referendum.

Commenting on the special session at the party's autumn conference, shadow Scotland secretary Alistair Carmichael said: "The party overwhelmingly rejected Alex Salmond's referendum Bill.

Any party that refuses the right of the people to have their say over Scotland's future will pay a heavy price at the ballot box Alasdair Allan SNP

"There was genuine and widespread anger at the rigged question put forward by the SNP.

"The Liberal Democrats are a party that will remain at the heart of the debate on Scotland' constitutional future. But on our terms."

The SNP responded by calling on all parties to back the right of the Scottish people to have their say on Scotland's future.

SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said: "All parties must endorse the right of the people of Scotland to have their say on Scotland's constitutional future.

"The Liberal Democrats are deeply divided on the issue and all over the place - it's impossible to tell what their position will be from one day to the next, never mind one year to the next.

"Any party that refuses the right of the people to have their say over Scotland's future will pay a heavy price at the ballot box."

For Labour, Pauline McNeill called on the Scottish Government to focus on jobs and the economy.

She said: "It is becoming increasingly clear that the SNP cannot win a majority for a referendum on independence.

"This issue is an unnecessary distraction when everyone in the Scottish Parliament should be working together to protect jobs and get Scotland through the recession."

Party divisions

Liberal Democrat Scottish leader Tavish Scott opposes a referendum - but earlier this year divisions emerged within the party.

One Lib Dem MSP John Farquhar Munro broke ranks with his colleagues and spoken openly in favour of a referendum.

And at the Lib Dem annual conference in Bournemouth in the summer, one prospective MP suggested the party should support such a vote to settle an issue that was "haunting politics".

Mr Scott later asked senior Lib Dem Ross Finnie to oversee a consultation with members on the party's stance.

A Liberal Democrat spokeswoman said: "There was a really good discussion at the special session and we looked at the hard questions of independence and the referendum.

"They decisively backed Tavish Scott's opposition to the SNP's referendum bill, giving him a very clear vote of confidence.

"Ross Finnie will continue to talk to members about the constitutional arguments as we draw up our manifesto for the 2011 elections."