Scottish independence: MSPs to debate referendum vote

Holyrood is to discuss whether Scots living outside Scotland should be given a vote in the independence referendum.

Scottish Labour MSP Elaine Murray will lead the members' debate later.

She has highlighted the case of James Wallace from Dumfries who is campaigning for Scots living outside Scotland to get the referendum vote.

Under the Scottish government's current referendum proposals, non-resident Scots will not be eligible to vote on Scotland's constitutional future.

Currently, anyone eligible to be on the electoral register in Scotland will be entitled to vote in a possible 2014 referendum.

The members' debate on who should vote in a Scottish referendum will be covered by BBC Scotland's Democracy Live team from 17:05.

Ahead of the debate, Ms Murray, who is a Dumfriesshire MSP, backed the online campaign of Mr Wallace, 23, who will be unable to vote after he moves to London for work next month.

His internet site, titled "Let Wallace Vote", is aimed at bringing the issue to the public's attention.

Mr Wallace said on his webpage: "Please, I beg you, help me gain the basic right to vote on the most important vote I will ever have in my life."

Ms Murray said: "Scots working outwith Scotland at the time of UK general elections are allowed to vote, so why should they be banned from voting in one of the most important decisions in Scotland in over 300 years?

"It seems massively unfair. The fact is, with youth unemployment in Scotland rising, more young Scots are being forced to look outwith Scotland for jobs.

"It seems hugely unfair that they should be stopped from having a say in Scotland's future.

"I, along with 800,000 Scots will not be able to vote in the Scottish Referendum on Independence.

"I was born in Scotland, I have lived there for my whole existence of 23 years, it will always be home and if Scotland becomes independent I will have to get a Scottish passport. But I have no say on the future of my country. Surely this is unfair?

"In February I (like so many others) am moving to London for a job. Under the rules recently published that will mean I will be unable to vote

"Please, I beg you, help me gain the basic right to vote on the most important vote I will ever have in my life."

"I hope MSPs from all parties come together to support the Let Wallace Vote campaign."

The SNP government said its preferred date for a referendum is autumn 2014. The Westminster government has insisted Holyrood does not have the authority to hold a legal referendum and will require its permission.

The Scottish government said that was not the case and it could hold a referendum which was binding.

Last week, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore announced in the House of Commons that the coalition government would hold a consultation on the independence referendum.

He said he was proposing that the same electorate should vote in the referendum as a Scottish Parliament election.

Mr Salmond is due to announce details of his government's consultation next Wednesday - on Burns day.