Row over ‘secrecy’ in law advice on indyref

THE SCOTTISH Government clashed with the opposition over the publication of legal advice around a second independence referendum.

Last week, the Information Commissioner, Daren Fitzhenry ruled that ministers should disclose what lawyers have told them about the legality of holding a vote next year.

He said it would “significantly enhance public debate on this issue”.

However, ministers have not yet shared the advice, saying they’re considering the “significant” decision and will respond before the commissioner’s June deadline to appeal.

In Holyrood, Scottish Conservative chief whip Stephen Kerr accused the SNP of “insulting” taxpayers by forcing them to “pay for secret preparations for a referendum next year they do not want.”

Constitution secretary Angus Robertson said there was “a long-standing convention observed by UK government and Scottish governments” not to disclose legal advice “except in exceptional circumstances.”

He said that any departure from the convention would be “a significant thing.”

The government plans on holding a referendum before the end of 2023.