Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 27 June 2013
27 Jun 2013 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill
I am pleased to have been called to speak in the debate on the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill. I am a member of the Referendum (Scotland) Bill Committee and I thank the clerks for their sterling hard work throughout our scrutiny of the bill. I also thank all the witnesses who took the time to give evidence to the committee. Their evidence very much informed the committee’s work.
It is important to note, for the record, that the committee worked in a constructive way. Although there are key differences in members’ positions, the committee has always operated in a pragmatic and respectful manner, under the wise convenership of Bruce Crawford MSP—I hope that that earns me some brownie points in the committee.
For my part, I am absolutely delighted to be speaking in this debate as a lifelong supporter of the cause of Scotland. This is indeed a key moment for our Parliament and our country and one that will certainly make it into the history books. Just 14 short years after our Parliament here in Edinburgh was reconvened, we are now democratically engaged in setting the framework, as far as franchise issues are concerned, for the referendum on the independence of our country.
Many people over the years have imagined that we would arrive at this juncture. It is an absolute privilege to be part of this historic process today.
In agreeing the terms of the franchise for the independence referendum, we have laid down a clear marker for the kind of Scotland that we wish to see. By extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds, we are saying to young people, “You are important. You are part of society. You have a role to play. We value you.” That is a very important message indeed. There were no more enthusiastic witnesses before our committee than the young representatives themselves.
It is appropriate on this day for me to quote my mother, Winnie Ewing, following her sensational victory in the Hamilton by-election in November 1967, when she famously said:
“Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on.”
With the passing of the bill this afternoon, I would say that Scotland is nearly there.
16:16
It is important to note, for the record, that the committee worked in a constructive way. Although there are key differences in members’ positions, the committee has always operated in a pragmatic and respectful manner, under the wise convenership of Bruce Crawford MSP—I hope that that earns me some brownie points in the committee.
For my part, I am absolutely delighted to be speaking in this debate as a lifelong supporter of the cause of Scotland. This is indeed a key moment for our Parliament and our country and one that will certainly make it into the history books. Just 14 short years after our Parliament here in Edinburgh was reconvened, we are now democratically engaged in setting the framework, as far as franchise issues are concerned, for the referendum on the independence of our country.
Many people over the years have imagined that we would arrive at this juncture. It is an absolute privilege to be part of this historic process today.
In agreeing the terms of the franchise for the independence referendum, we have laid down a clear marker for the kind of Scotland that we wish to see. By extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds, we are saying to young people, “You are important. You are part of society. You have a role to play. We value you.” That is a very important message indeed. There were no more enthusiastic witnesses before our committee than the young representatives themselves.
It is appropriate on this day for me to quote my mother, Winnie Ewing, following her sensational victory in the Hamilton by-election in November 1967, when she famously said:
“Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on.”
With the passing of the bill this afternoon, I would say that Scotland is nearly there.
16:16
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith)
Lab
The next item of business is a debate on motion S4M-07109, in the name of Nicola Sturgeon, on the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill.15:40
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities (Nicola Sturgeon)
SNP
I am very pleased to open the stage 3 debate on the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill and to fulfil the Scottish Government’s commitment to e...
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (Lab)
Lab
As Parliament knows, this bill has been subject to an expedited process, so that the electoral registration canvass can begin in the autumn. It has been poss...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott)
Con
You should be drawing to a close now, please.
Patricia Ferguson
Lab
We may take a different view from the Government on what would be a desired outcome from next year’s referendum, but we agree that young people should be abl...
Annabel Goldie (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
Today represents the final stage of phase 1 of an important legislative process that will culminate in the referendum on 18 September next year. I echo Patri...
Bruce Crawford (Stirling) (SNP)
SNP
On many occasions since the establishment of this Parliament in 1999, I have been very proud of what we have achieved through the legislation that we have pa...
Annabel Goldie
Con
Will the member give way?
Bruce Crawford
SNP
I am sorry, but I only have three minutes.Those decisions were taken and their outcomes created by mature and supposedly wise and experienced adults. Those o...
John Pentland (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab)
Lab
When I spoke in the stage 1 debate on the bill, I was supportive of its general principles but not without some reservations. In many ways, little has change...
Stuart McMillan (West Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
This is truly a momentous day. Irrespective of which side of the debate members are campaigning for, at decision time they will shatter the ceiling placed on...
Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD)
LD
The passing of the bill today will finalise two major decisions. One represents a progressive change for the future. The other reflects illiberal entrenchmen...
Annabelle Ewing (Mid Scotland and Fife) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to have been called to speak in the debate on the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill. I am a member of the Referendum (Scotland) ...
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green)
Green
I echo the thanks of my fellow committee members to our clerks and witnesses and to everyone else who contributed to the process.I am naturally disappointed ...
Annabel Goldie
Con
I hope that this debate—I am pleased to have played a role in stimulating some sort of debate—has disturbed part of the consensus. What I said was intended n...
James Kelly (Rutherglen) (Lab)
Lab
I echo the comments of Annabelle Ewing and others in support of the clerks and all who have worked on the bill to get it to the stage at which it will be pas...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
I was advising the cabinet secretary of how long she might have to speak. You have another 30 seconds or thereby.
James Kelly
Lab
Okay—30 seconds or thereabouts.To sum up, I reassure the Deputy First Minister that we support the bill and its provisions in relation to prisoners voting. I...
Nicola Sturgeon
SNP
I thank all members who have taken part in the debate.I begin by highlighting a few issues of process that have been raised. Patricia Ferguson rightly acknow...
Patricia Ferguson
Lab
Will Nicola Sturgeon take an intervention?
Nicola Sturgeon
SNP
I was going to move on to a consensual point, but I will take the intervention.
Patricia Ferguson
Lab
I do not want to break the consensus either, but I make the point to the Deputy First Minister that the reason why we are so keen to find out a bit more abou...
Nicola Sturgeon
SNP
The Government always does its homework, and on this issue—perhaps more than on many others—the legal position is clear. A legal challenge would be very unli...