SNP sets out independence plans

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Launching a white paper on constitutional change in Edinburgh, the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader promised a "new chapter in Scottish politics".

But the plans were dismissed by opposition parties at Holyrood who claimed the document was about "breaking up the UK".

The white paper sets out what the Nationalist Executive sees as the three main "realistic" choices for Scots - the present devolved set-up, re-designing devolution by extending the powers of the Scottish Parliament in specific areas, and full independence.

It also includes the draft wording of the ballot paper for a referendum, which was put at a cost of about £7 million by Mr Salmond.

The ballot asks voters whether they agree or disagree "that the Scottish government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of a United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state".

But launching the document at the capital's Napier University, Mr Salmond said he wanted a "national conversation" which could result in other options being put on the ballot paper as well.

Saying he was "relaxed" about that possibility, Mr Salmond continued: "A multi-option referendum requires the alternatives to be as clear as independence or the no-change options already are.

"The opportunity now presents itself for those who want another option in a referendum to define that option and present the case to the government for inclusion on the ballot paper."

The announcement followed a pledge in the SNP Holyrood election manifesto to bring forward an independence white paper as part of preparations for a referendum with a likely date of 2010.