Independence Referendum A Step Closer

The independence referendum has taken another step forward as a Holyrood committee has unanimously backed new legal powers to allow Scotland to stage the poll.

The Referendum Bill Committee recommends that the new legal power, known as a section 30 order, be approved by the Parliament.

Committee convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: ``A key part of the Edinburgh Agreement is the promotion of a section 30 order. This includes certain conditions including that the referendum must be held before the end of 2014 and must give voters the choice of only two responses. 

``It also makes provision for referendum campaign broadcasts and for the free postal delivery of leaflets by the Yes and No campaigns."