Scottish independence

Alex Salmond's statement(發言) to the Scottish Parliament is the latest stage in the manoeuvring(機動) between Westminster and Edinburgh for control of the referendum(公投) process.

Mr Salmond wants a simple question on independence but he'd also like the possibility of another question about further(進一步地) powers for the Scottish Parliament short of(幾乎, 差) full separation(分離). And he's expected to restate(重申) the SNP's argument that 16 and 17 year-olds should be allowed to vote.

There are signs that the Scottish government may be willing to negotiate(談判) to reach agreement(達成協議) with Westminster to make sure the referendum is legal. The two sides are to hold talks on the details of the ballot(投票,表決).

It looks as if Mr Salmond won't object to the process being supervised(監督) by the UK electoral commission.(選舉委員會)

 this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120126_witn_scotland_story.shtml