Agreement
Edinburgh Agreement, 2012
The UK and Scottish Governments agreed the terms for a legal, single-question independence referendum to be held by the end of 2014.
What happened
The two governments agreed that the referendum should have a clear legal base, be legislated for by the Scottish Parliament and produce a result that everyone would respect.[1] They undertook to promote a section 30 order allowing a single-question referendum before the end of 2014.[2]
The order, made in February 2013, set conditions: the poll had to take place by 31 December 2014 and offer a choice between only two responses.[3] Both governments also committed to work together constructively whatever the outcome.[4]
Sources for this page
Each number marks a specific claim. Notes give the source, its locator and how it relates to the claim.
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1.
Claim: In the Edinburgh Agreement of 15 October 2012 the UK and Scottish Governments agreed that the referendum should have a clear legal base, be legislated for by the Scottish Parliament and deliver a result that everyone would respect.
- UK Government and Scottish Government, Agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government on a referendum on independence for Scotland (UK Government, 15 October 2012) link, Agreement, PDF p. 2. Government perspective or primary official source Source record
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2.
Claim: The governments agreed to promote a section 30 order allowing a single-question referendum before the end of 2014.
- UK Government and Scottish Government, Agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government on a referendum on independence for Scotland (UK Government, 15 October 2012) link, Agreement, PDF p. 2. Government perspective or primary official source Source record
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3.
Claim: The order, made on 12 February 2013, removed the reservation for an independence referendum held no later than 31 December 2014 with one ballot paper offering only two responses.
- The Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013 (The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), 12 February 2013) link, Art. 3, inserting Sch. 5 Pt I para. 5A. Source record
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4.
Claim: Both governments committed to work together constructively in the light of the outcome, whatever it was.
- UK Government and Scottish Government, Agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government on a referendum on independence for Scotland (UK Government, 15 October 2012) link, Memorandum, para. 30. Government perspective or primary official source Source record