SNP warned on referendum

UK MINISTERS have warned Alex Salmond he must seek their support on the wording of his independence referendum or face the possibility of a legal challenge that could end up in the Supreme Court.

Scotland Office Minister David Mundell said a dispute over the crucial wording of the question could end up in the courts, as Unionist supporters would probably challenge it.

With Westminster having said it is for Edinburgh to propose the question, Mundell said there was "no excuse" for the First Minister not to come forward with a single question asking people whether they wanted Scotland to be independent or not. Last week Salmond indicated he was open to two questions being put in the referendum, one asking if they wanted the country to become independent and one asking if they wanted much greater financial autonomy within the UK.