This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
Canada: 
Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond has shown optimism to get the format for an independence referendum settled with the U.K. Government within the few coming weeks.
Mr. Salmond had briefly discussed the referendum with U.K. Prime Minister, David Cameron in 10 Downing Street. Formal talks between both leaders are due to take place in the coming month, when it is hoped to settle vexed issues about the number of questions on the ballot paper.
Orders paving the way for a poll will be tabled in the U.K. and Scottish parliaments by October 22.
Number 10 described the discussion, on the margins of a regular Joint Ministerial Committee meeting of leaders from the UK’s devolved administrations, as a “constructive” stock-take ahead of next month’s talks.
Mr. Salmond said there was “goodwill” towards having the referendum format settled in “the next few weeks”.
However, the Work and Pensions Minister has clearly annoyed Mr. Salmond after claiming an independent Scotland could not finance its welfare system without raising taxes or cutting services..
Mr. Salmond has said Iain Duncan Smith’s words were “offensive and nonsensical”.
And added: “There was goodwill within the meeting, but of course it is possible that noises from outside – like Iain Duncan Smith – could still blow things off course.”
A Downing Street spokesperson has said: “It was a constructive exchange, and the Prime Minister remains committed to and hopeful of reaching agreement to enable a Section 30 Order to be tabled in both parliaments by October 22. The Prime Minister looks forward to a further meeting with the First Minister next month.”
Article viewed on Oye! Times at www.oyetimes.com.
Be the first to comment