Move to give prisoners independence referendum vote defeated

An attempt to give some prisoners a say in the independence referendum has been defeated.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, backed by Labour and Tory politicians, said convicted prisoners should be refused a vote while in custody.

“I’m not yet persuaded of the case that is being made, although I’m sure it’s an issue we will continue to debate until this Bill reaches its final stage,” she said.

“The Government doesn’t believe that convicted prisoners should be able to vote while they’re detained in custody.

“We hold that view for reasons of principle, for reasons of law, but also for reasons of consistency.”Bargeton’s Blog: No right to vote behind barsShe responded to calls from Green and Liberal Democrat MSPs who believe the system breaches human rights.

Both parties opened the issue for debate during scrutiny of the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill which has the principal aim of reducing the voting age limit to 16.

It also seeks to confirm the voting arrangements for elections, which exclude prisoners.

Ms Sturgeon rejected a range of proposals on prisoner voting during discussions at Holyrood’s Referendum Bill Committee.