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Moore to attack SNP over EU claim

 

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore will use his speech at the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference to attack the SNP's assertions on European Union (EU) membership.

The Scottish Government admitted this week that no specific legal advice was taken on entry to the EU in the event of a vote for independence. The revelation followed concerted criticism from opposition parties about the SNP's attempts to keep the information under wraps.

Speaking at his party's autumn conference in Dunfermline, Mr Moore will say: "Just this week the SNP got a taste of what happens when politicians play fast and loose with Scotland's future to meet their own narrow ends. We can't have debate conducted on these terms."

The Scottish Secretary will emphasise the importance of the role of the Electoral Commission in relation to the question put to the electorate in the 2014 ballot and the spending limits put on the campaigns.

"There is no other body with the experience and neutrality of the Electoral Commission," he will say. "To overrule its judgment would invite the charge of rigging and bias, tainting the process. So while every UK government has had the power to do so, none ever has.

"There are those who say that the SNP will break with precedent. That it will force through the Scottish Parliament its words of choice. That it will demand spending limits that meet its own objectives rather than the Electoral Commission's standards. Common sense dictates that it should not.

"The agreement reached between the two governments states that 'the referendum should meet the highest standards of fairness, transparency and propriety, informed by consultation and independent expert advice'. Those words were negotiated by the Deputy First Minister. When she publishes the referendum Bill, with the world watching, Scotland will hold her to them."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie will also give a speech at the conference while Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander will take part in a question and answer session.

Mr Rennie will use his speech to urge the Scottish Government to extend free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds.

"In England they are extending childcare to 40% of two-year-olds. If a two-year-old misses out, they miss out forever," he will say. "My request to the Finance Secretary will be to make extending childcare a priority for his budget. With all the pressures on the budget, that makes sense for our children, for our economy and for taxpayers."

 
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