Jim McGovern challenges local SNP: Which side are you on?

Local MP for Dundee West Jim McGovern today urged local SNP representatives to clarify their position on the independence referendum, taking the unprecedented step of issuing an open letter to them.

The decision on whether or not Scotland stays part of the UK is due in 2014, and plans for it are being finalised in the coming months. Jim McGovern says that people in Dundee will prove a deciding factor in the result.

With recent polls showing support for independence down sharply, some separatists are now suggesting a fall-back second or third option on the ballot paper, even though experts warn that it risks muddying the water.

Now Jim McGovern has challenged Stewart Hosie MP, Shona Robison MSP and Joe Fitzpatrick MSP to state their view and let local people know what suggestion they made in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the referendum.

Jim McGovern said: “This is an issue that will affect everyone in Dundee forever. I think we need to have a clear question so the people of Scotland can make this decision for once and for all.

“Big splits in the separatist’s campaign have emerged, with Alex Salmond seeming to want a second question because he knows he’ll lose the first. Many of his supporters are now furious, because they want a clear-cut, straight question.

“People in Dundee deserve to know where the local separatists stand on this issue: one question or two.”

“I am urging Stewart Hosie, Shona Robison and Joe Fitzpatrick to state their position publically. As a local MP I am in favour of one question that avoids any confusion, and it is time the SNP in Dundee did the same. People here in Dundee deserve to know the facts.”