Scottish Independence Vote: Q&A
Updated: 9:45am UK, Monday 15 October 2012
The Scottish National Party has long campaigned for a vote on independence. Here is how the process will work.
What will the Scots be asked?
Voters will be asked a single Yes-No question about staying in or leaving the United Kingdom.
The SNP had wanted a second question on further devolution of powers in case they lost the main vote but this was firmly opposed by the Government.
First Minister Alex Salmond will decide the exact wording of the question. It is thought it could be: Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?
The Electoral Commission will oversee the process to make sure it is fair and impartial.
Who is allowed to take part?
Under the 2010 Draft Bill, all British and Commonwealth citizens living in Scotland can vote.
The rules are also expected to include 16 and 17-year-olds but only those already on the electoral register.
When will it happen?
Autumn 2014 after David Cameron agreed to it being delayed.
It has been suggested this may be because it is the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn or because Scotland is hosting the Commonwealth Games, which are likely to ramp up national sentiment.
How will it work?
A Referendum Bill will have to be passed in the Scottish Parliament, outlining the framework for the vote.
The For and Against campaign groups will then swing into action, before the Scots go to the polls on one single day.
What are Alex Salmond and David Cameron signing now?
The Prime Minister and First Minister are agreeing a technical measure known as a Section 30 which passes power from Westminster to Holyrood to legislate on the referendum.
This is necessary because constitutional matters are not devolved and therefore any referendum held without the involvement of the UK Government could face a legal challenge.
Who will campaign?
The SNP are leading the campaign for independence. They have a strong team who secured election victory in 2007 and then a majority in 2011.
The Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems are all against independence and will campaign for a No vote, although by its nature this team is less united.
How did a referendum come about?
Voters elected a Parliament with a majority who support giving the Scottish people the right to choose when the SNP and the Greens formed a Government.
What will happen if Scotland votes for independence?
The Scottish Government would start negotiations with the UK Government and the EU on splitting entirely from the UK, which could be long and involved. Scotland would probably initially keep the Pound but Mr Salmond is for joining the Euro at the right moment.
The UK Government has said it will respect the result of the referendum. Such a move would end the joint history which began with the Acts of Union in 1707.
What happens if they vote no?
It is unlikely that there would be a series of different referenda in the coming years - this is seen as a once-in-a-generation shot.
Defeat could have far-reaching consequences for the SNP. It would also restart the debate about devolving more powers to Scotland, for example on tax.
How do the numbers currently stack up?
Support for independence fluctuates between around a quarter and a third of adults in Scotland, meaning the SNP have quite a mountain to climb.
A YouGov poll earlier this year found 33% of Scots would choose independence but 57% would reject it.
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