Fiona Hyslop welcomes referendum announcement
SNP MSP for Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop today welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that the independence referendum will be held in the Autumn of 2014 and urged people across the West Lothian to join the debate.
Fiona Hyslop, who attended the Cabinet Meeting that led to the announcement of the referendum date said,
“The people of West Lothian will have the exciting opportunity to vote in a referendum on Scotland’s future in 2014.
“It is important that the decisions about Scotland are taken by the people of Scotland and I hope everyone will take part.
“It is also right that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum. I have long believed that people who are entitled by law to work full time, get married and pay taxes should have a say in how their country is run and in the future of that country.
“It is absolutely vital therefore that our 16 and 17 year olds have a say in the biggest single decision Scotland will have taken in 300 years. Our young people are our future, they have a right to express their view at the ballot box.
“Above all, this is a matter for Scotland. The people gave the SNP a mandate to run this referendum and the people of Scotland have the right to make their opinions count.”