Scotland referendum, 1997
The Scotland referendum of 1997 was a pre-legislative referendum held in Scotland only, over whether there was support for the creation of an assembly for Scotland and whether there was support for an assembly with tax varying powers. The referendum was a manifesto commitment of the Labour Party and was held in their first term after the UK general election, 1997. This was the second referendum held in Scotland over the question of devolution, the first being the Scotland referendum, 1979.
Party support
The Labour Party, Liberal Democrats and SNP campaigned for the 'Yes-Yes' vote . The Conservative Party was the only major party to campaign for 'No-No'
Results
It was held on September 11, 1997. The result was 'Yes-Yes', i.e. the majority voted in favour of both proposals.
For the first question, the electorate were asked to indicate whether:
'1. I agree that there should be a Scottish Parliament; or
2. I do not agree that there should be a Scottish Parliament'
| Option 1 votes
| Option 1 votes (%)
| Option 2 votes
| Option 2 (%)
| Turnout (%)
|
| 1775,045
| 74.3
| 614,400
| 25.7
| 60.4
|
For the second question, the electorate were asked to indicate whether: '1. I agree that a Scottish Parliament should have tax-varying powers; or
2. I do not agree that a Scottish Parliament should have tax-varying powers'
| Option 1 votes
| Option 1 votes (%)
| Option 2 votes
| Option 2 (%)
| Turnout (%)
|
| 1,512,889
| 63.5
| 870,263
| 36.5
| 60.4
|
Government response
In response to the majority voting for Yes-Yes, the government passed the Scotland Act 1998, creating the Scottish Parliament.
See also
