Scottish independence: 'Deal agreed' with UK government on referendum

A deal has been reached between the UK and Scottish governments over the rules for the independence referendum.

The prime minister and the first minister are expected to agree on a plan which will involve a referendum which asks a single yes/no question on whether Scotland should leave the United Kingdom and extend the vote to include those aged over 16 in Scotland.

The SNP is understood to have accepted a single question referendum, as opposed to two questions including one on greater powers for the Scottish Parliament, whilst the UK government has abandoned its opposition to giving 16 and 17-year-olds a vote.

Scotland Office Minister, David Mundell, who has been involved in the negotiations, told the BBC there will be one question and confirmed the vote will be held before the end of 2014.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19892368

The referendum is still a couple of years away, but this is an interesting development, especially since there are other regions in Europe that are seeking independence.