Referendum on Independence

Now that we know that a referendum will definitely be held on Scottish independence, I am committed to working with the Scottish Government to ensure we have one that is fair, legal and decisive. A few weeks ago I launched a consultation to seek views on how we could achieve this and I want to encourage Borderers to take part to make their voices heard on this incredibly important issue.

Following the launch of the consultation I have also met with the CBI, Scottish Engineering and others and I plan to meet with many other Scottish businesses, representatives of civil society and individuals to encourage them to take part and shape the referendum. We want to hear people’s views on who should be able to vote in the referendum, when it should be held, how many questions should be asked and how to ensure it is legal. Most importantly, we want it to be made in Scotland, for the people of Scotland.

Once the form and timing of the referendum is agreed I’m sure the campaign will quickly get going and the passions of both sides will be evident. I personally will be arguing for Scotland to remain part of a modern United Kingdom where we share the risks and benefits of statehood. At the same time, I want to work to deepen the devolution of power to Scotland through the Scotland Bill so we have more power to make the choices to suit our needs. The Lib Dems are passionate about democracy and the devolution of power and we want to see Scotland thrive as part of the UK family. To this end, we have also set up the Home Rule Commission to look at the options for further devolution beyond the Scotland Bill.

Post Offices

Here in the Borders, Post Offices are the glue that holds our local communities together and they provide vital services to thousands of Borderers who use them to send post, manage their finances and collect their pensions. However, under the previous Labour Government, we saw countless Post Office closures here in the Borders and this was devastating for local communities.

On taking office, the Coalition Government made clear its commitment to modernise and invest in the Post Office Network to secure it for the future. Ed Davey the former Lib Dem Minister responsible for post offices has led our plans to transform their  future, with £1.34 billion of Government support and investment without any closure programmes.

Last week further good news was announced after the signing of a ten-year deal between the Post Office and the Royal Mail. The deal between the two companies ensures that the full range of Royal Mail services, including stamps, parcels, airmail and special delivery will continue to be available over Post Office counters for the long term. This is great for Borders Post Offices and gives additional certainty to our local subpostmasters.

* Michael Moore was the Liberal Democrat MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk from 1997-2015 and Secretary of State for Scotland from 2010-2013.