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Ministers considered holding indyref on same day as 2011 election, papers reveal
Scottish ministers planned a �9.5 million advisory referendum on increased powers and independence options alongside the 2011 Holyrood election but faced opposition that halted the Bill.
- Years ago, Scottish ministers considered a multi-option referendum in March 2011 or on the same day as the Scottish Parliament election on May 5 2011, proposing to spend £9.5m on the advisory ballot.
- Cabinet discussions showed caution as they agreed the draft Bill should `not at this stage set out the date for the referendum` and expected the UK government and Parliament to heed the people's views.
- The Scottish government published a draft Referendum Bill in 2010, and ministers launched a consultation, but Holyrood opposition blocked formal introduction; officials held `regular discussions` with the Electoral Commission noting the ballot would have `no legislative effect`.
- In May 2011, the Scottish National Party won an unprecedented majority in the May 2011 Holyrood election, paving the way for the 2014 independence referendum, while voters rejected the alternative vote in the UK referendum on voting system.
- The cabinet papers also reveal Scottish government officials warned election managers would be `taken by surprise` and noted `no engagement with the UK government on our proposals`.
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Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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