header-logo header-logo

08 March 2013 / Bob Watt
Issue: 7551 / Categories: Opinion , Public , Constitutional law
printer mail-detail

Party politics

Does the SNP’s suggestion of an independence treat flout the law, asks Bob Watt

Independence Day; the hauling down of the Union Flag and the raising of the Saltire, and, of course, a party; perhaps the biggest for 309 years. If, as the SNP government intends, Scotland becomes A Nation Once Again in March 2016 one might very well expect a party.

Party promise

Would and, more importantly, should it be lawful for the Scottish Nationalists to promise any public celebration which would be contingent upon the electorate, which may be expanded to include 16 and 17 year olds, delivering a “Yes” vote in 2014? Many people would instinctively feel that if a valuable, non-political reward was predicated upon a certain result being obtained that the ballot was less than free and fair. People, not exclusively the young and inexperienced, may be swayed by the promise of a celebration, and any such promise would be held over the referendum result by the Unionist press threatening to deprive it of its validity.

Is

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Martin Livingston joins Ogier in Cayman to strengthen regulatory support

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan announces 47 summer promotions across UK offices

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
back-to-top-scroll