The Scottish Government has been urged to take part in further talks next week to discuss the wording of the referendum question.

In a joint letter sent from Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie, Labour Leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson, First Minister Alex Salmond has been invited to discuss a proposal which would see a body of constitutional experts given the task of framing a single question to be put to the Electoral Commission for scrutiny.

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie MSP said:

“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.

“That is why I want one clear question on the ballot paper so, when we all go to vote, we can put a cross in a box and know exactly what we are voting for and how our vote’s going to be counted.”

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont MSP said:

“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.

“That is why we believe that the process of setting a single question should be taken out of the hands of elected politicians and given to relevant experts the public can have faith in.

“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.”

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson MSP 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.

“We need a speedy resolution to this issue, so we can have a substantial debate on what a separate Scotland would look like.”