Third sector urged to join the government's National Conversation

19/03/2008

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell is urging the third sector to take part in the Scottish Government’sNational Conversation about Scotland’s constitutional direction.

The debate examines the options for constitutional change and addresses the arguments for and against each, such as independence or enhanced powers of devolution.

To date, Scottish Government's national conversation website has had almost 314,000 hits, with the white paper attracting 26,000 views.

Mr Maxwell said: 'The National Conversation goes to the very heart of the kind of Scotland we all want to see.

'That's why I think it's vital that the Third Sector makes its views known, because charities and voluntary groups are well-placed to pinpoint constraints the current devolution settlement places on our ability to address the real problems people face.

'This is not a dry academic debate. It is about what powers and responsibilities the Scottish Parliament and Government need to have if we are to meet the needs of Scotland's people and to fulfil our aspirations as a nation.

'We will make sure that every person in Scotland who has a contribution to make is given the opportunity to have their voice heard.'

A National Conversation on Scotland's constitutional future was launched by the First Minister in August 2007 alongside the publication of a paper outlining different options for public debate and proposals for a referendum.

The public are invited to join the National Conversation by logging onto a dedicated website where they can add comments.

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