Government Confirms Wording Of Question

The Scottish Government's preferred question for the independence referendum will be tested by the elections watchdog, it was confirmed today.

The Government wants to ask: Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country? 

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has submitted the question to the Electoral Commission, which will scrutinise it using focus groups to determine whether it is fair and easily understood, before reporting its findings.

Although the government and parliament is not bound by the watchdog's conclusions, constitutional experts say ignoring its advice would be unusual. 

The final wording will be included in the Referendum Bill which will come before Holyrood in spring 2013.