FM calls for referendum powers as draft independence bill published

The Scottish government has published its draft independence referendum bill, setting out the details of the proposed question and who would be allowed to vote.

John Swinney called on the UK government to 'respect the voice of the Scottish people and parliament and transfer the necessary powers' in order to hold the vote.

The short document has been released ahead of the first minister setting out his legislative plans for the year on Tuesday.

Since 2014 successive UK governments have opposed any further referendums and Downing Street recently said a fresh poll was 'off limits'.

The Scotland Office has been approached for comment.

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Scotland previously voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%

In 2022 the UK Supreme Court ruled that any further vote would require the agreement of the UK government.

The proposed ballot paper for a second referendum would ask: 'Should Scotland be an independent country? ' and voters would mark an 'X' against options Yes or No.

The draft bill would be introduced into parliament if the Scottish government secured approval from the UK government.

The document would include a date for the referendum once it was put before Holyrood.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham met First Minister John Swinney ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow last month

The SNP had promised to publish the draft legislation in their first 100 days in government after the Scottish election in May.

Swinney said: 'The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland. 'He added: 'Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK government delivered. '