Independence First recently wrote to both the UK Government and the Scottish Parliament demanding a democratic referendum for the people of Scotland on independence.

The Scottish Parliament replied: “The Scotland Act 1998 sets out the statutory framework for the Scottish devolution settlement. Schedule 5 to the Act defines matters which are reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament.”

“The devolution settlement and constitutional matters generally are reserved matters under the Act. The Government of the United Kingdom is responsible therefore for considering any fundamental changes to the existing devolution framework in Scotland.”

Joe Middleton Media Officer of Independence First commented: “In other words, we’re passing the buck to our colleagues down south! However it does not matter what the UK Labour Government put into their devolved parliament bill, the Scottish people have an absolute right to self determination under international law.”

The Scottish Office in London replied “It is worth noting that in the UK political system the UK parliament is sovereign and it is for Parliament to decide whether or not to hold a referendum on any particular issue - and what the terms of any referendum should be.”

Mr Middleton commented: ”This is simply not accurate, in England Parliament is sovereign, but in Scotland the people are sovereign. These answers are not acceptable. Obviously both the UK Government and Scottish Parliament are deliberately ignoring Scotland’s rights to democracy under international law.”