Cameron ‘not fussy’ about timing of vote

Politics: Prime minister paves way for 2014 independence referendum

Prime Minister David Cameron paved the way last night for Scotland’s independence vote to be held in 2014 after reiterating that he is “not fussy” about the date.

The Conservative leader effectively conceded the timing of the referendum to the SNP ahead of key talks on the terms of the ballot.

But he said there should be one “simple” question in the historic poll – in what will be seen as a call for the nationalists to agree in return to drop any plans to offer a “devomax” option in the referendum.

The UK Government’s position has previously been that the referendum should be held in autumn next year – 12 months earlier than the Scottish Government wants it to be staged.

Mr Cameron created headlines last month when he said in an interview that he was “not fussy” about the timing, but he also said Scots should not have to wait 1,000days, andthe following day Downing Street insisted that autumn 2013 remained its preferred date.

Last night, the prime minister publicly used the same phrase about the date, in a speech given during a Scotland Office reception to mark the new Scotland Act.

He said: “I am not too fussy about the timing, but let’s haveasimple question, and let the question be put.”

UK ministers were widely expected to concede the timing of the vote, despite warnings that further delay could prolong the “uncertainty” for investors. The coalition at Westminster is more concerned about ensuring a second question is not added to the ballot, believing it would confuse the debate and result.

It was unclear last night, however, why Mr Cameron would give up a key bargaining position on the eve of talks resuming with the Scottish Government, although he may feel that by conceding the date to SNP he can smooth the way for such a deal to rule out a “devo max” option.

Bruce Crawford, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet secretary for parliamentary business, attended last night’s event.

“I am delighted that the prime minister has now conceded the timescale for Scotland’s referendum,” he said.

“The terms and the timing of the referendum are matters to be decided in Scotland – not imposed by Westminster – and we are now proceeding with our referendum consultation being independently analysed.

VISIT TO SCOTLAND: David Cameron at the Quaker Oats site at Cupar