Experts should be tasked with setting the question for Scotland's independence referendum, the leaders of the three main opposition parties have suggested.
Labour's Johann Lamont, Conservative Ruth Davidson and Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie have united to urge the First Minister to consider the idea, arguing that the wording of a "clear, fair and simple" question should be determined by constitutional experts - not politicians.
The three suggested an "eminent academic" of the same status as Professor Ron Gould - the expert called in after the 2007 Scottish election fiasco - should be tasked with putting together a group of experts. The wording they come up with for the independence referendum - which is likely to be held in autumn 2014 - would then have to be approved by the Electoral Commission.
Ms Lamont, Ms Davidson and Mr Rennie want to meet Alex Salmond next week to discuss the matter. In a letter to the First Minster, the three opposition leaders said: "We are sure you agree that ensuring the public have the utmost confidence in the fairness of this referendum is paramount."
Ms Lamont said: "All the parties agree that a single question is what we want. We are now calling on Alex Salmond to join us to ensure the wording of it is clear, fair and simple - and most of all trusted by the Scottish people." The Scottish Labour leader stated: "Whatever the result of this referendum, it is vital that the day after it all of Scotland can come together to build a better future for our nation. If we are to achieve that then the process of the referendum must be beyond question."
Ms Davidson said: "The people of Scotland deserve a fair question that will frame the most important decision Scotland has faced in 300 years. Such a task should be given to respected constitutional experts, who are best-placed to decide on the fairest form of words to be put on the ballot paper for the proposed referendum, and all parties need to be satisfied with the process." Meanwhile, Mr Rennie stressed: "With a decision as important as this it is vital that the question facing us is crystal clear. Every example from across the world shows that if the question asked is not fair and unambiguous, then the debate leading up to the vote is more likely to become confused."
The Scottish Government has already said its preferred question is: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"
A spokesman for Parliamentary Business Secretary Bruce Crawford said that while the Electoral Commission would advise on the referendum question, it would be for the Scottish Parliament to decide.
Mr Crawford's spokesman said: "The anti-independence parties said that they wanted the independent Electoral Commission to test the referendum question, and that is exactly what will happen. The Scottish Government announced in May that as well as the Electoral Commission having responsibility for regulating the referendum - as set out in our consultation document - the commission will also test the ballot paper, including the question.
"This will be done in autumn/winter 2012, as provided for in the referendum timetable detailed on page 14 of the consultation document. It means that Scotland's referendum will exactly reflect the terms of Westminster legislation governing all other referendums in the UK - the Government propose the question or questions, the Electoral Commission advise on the question or questions, and Parliament decides. In this case it will, of course, be for the Scottish Parliament to decide - and both the current and previous UK governments endorsed this division of responsibilities." He insisted: "This process is the proper, fair and democratic way to proceed - and we are confident of achieving a Yes vote for an independent Scotland in the referendum." The spokesman also confirmed Mr Salmond would reply to the opposition leaders' letter "in due course".
