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.

A UK government spokesperson said: 'The prime minister made clear to the first minister in their first meeting that another referendum on independence was off the table. It would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living. 'Scottish Labour acting leader Jackie Baillie said: 'The people of Scotland deserve far better than this failing SNP government that is more interested in empty gestures and grandstanding than it is in improving the lives of people across the country.

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

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.

New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independence. The proposed ballot paper for a second referendum would ask: