SNP pledge would force referendum

The UK Government would need to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence if the SNP secures a yes vote in its own referendum, the Scottish Secretary has said.

Several constitutional experts have suggested a second referendum would be required for Scottish independence to become reality.

Michael Moore revealed his opinion yesterday on the constitutional validity of a Scottish Government-led referendum.

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He said: “In terms of constitutional law at present, a binding referendum would be for the UK Government to determine. But there is scope for an advisory referendum within the existing rules and regulations.

“We are looking very carefully at that.

“We are looking to have a discussion with the Scottish Government at the appropriate moment when they bring forward their proposals, which they of course have not.”

He added: “If we have an advisory referendum set up by the Scottish Government I think there is a strong likelihood, and it is certainly my personal view, that you would need a second referendum on the formalities of agreeing what has been sorted out between the governments.”

Yesterday Mr Moore said the UK Government is “fully engaged” in examining all the issues surrounding any forthcoming referendum.

The Scottish Government plans to hold its referendum well into the second half of the current parliament, probably in 2015 or 2016.