Voting in independence referendum 'most important decision ever'

Union: Deal to be announced on Monday.Deadline

Voting in the independence referendum will be the most important decision people in Scotland will ever have to make, the Secretary of State for Scotland has said.

A deal on the staging of the vote reached a "positive conclusion" last week following discussions between Michael Moore and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The deal will now be presented to Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond on Monday for approval and both sides believe agreement will be reached.

Mr Moore said: "When we put pen to paper on the agreement that I have reached with Nicola Sturgeon that will be the green light for the most important decision people in Scotland will ever have to make.

"Do we stay part of the United Kingdom that we helped to build or do we decide to go it alone?"

Ms Sturgeon said: "The final agreement is for discussion between the First Minister and Prime Minister tomorrow, however my discussions with Michael Moore have been constructive and I believe we have reached a position that guarantees a referendum made in Scotland - which is exactly what we set out to do.

"Tomorrow's agreement will ensure that the decision taken by the people of Scotland is one that will be fully respected by both governments.

"The referendum is the biggest opportunity the people of Scotland have had for 300 years to determine the kind of nation we all wish to live in - and there is no doubt that a majority of people in Scotland want the fairer and wealthier society that independence can deliver.

"Once the agreement has been signed it is time for all of us, on all sides, to set out our arguments and campaign for the future we believe Scotland can have.

"Now the negotiations are over I am immensely looking forward to making the positive case for Scotland to have the powers of independence that are necessary to build the prosperous and fair society that we all want."

The independence referendum is expected to be held in Scotland in autumn 2014, with a single Yes/No question on whether Scotland should leave the United Kingdom on the ballot paper.

It is also expected that the agreement will make provisions for 16-year-olds in Scotland to vote in the referendum.

Mr Moore said: "The next two years provide us with a unique opportunity to highlight the benefits of the UK and to seek the positive endorsement of people in Scotland.

"I want the next two years to be about more than fending off the threat of independence. I want an informed national debate in which the full and positive case for Scotland staying within the UK family is made, heard and won.

"The onus is on us to provide the strong and positive case for the United Kingdom. We will do that. The ultimate responsibility will then rest with the people of Scotland.

"The advantages of being part of the UK are quietly accepted by most Scots. Often those advantages are left unearthed or go unreported just because they are the status quo.

"This campaign will be an opportunity to change that. We can put up in lights the benefits to Scotland of being part of our United Kingdom."

Mr Moore said the issues of the debate will include the scale of the economy, the strength of defence capabilities, and determining Scotland`s voice in the world.

"As we move forwards, producing evidence and making the case, I am confident that people across Scotland will stand up in support of the UK over these things too," the Scottish Secretary said.

"I am also confident that the majority of Scots want to remain inside the UK family. They don't shout about it but they do believe in it.

"It is an opportunity for people in Scotland to have their say on this most important of matters."

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