Blair Jenkins, Chief Executive of Yes Scotland, has today written to Alistair Darling, Chairman of 'Better Together', inviting him to discuss possible joint arrangements following the Electoral Commission's recommendations on funding and the need for clarity on "what process will follow the referendum".
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Alistair,
I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to you in my capacity as Chief Executive of Yes Scotland following a decision on disclosure of campaign donations at our Advisory Board meeting earlier this week.
Yes Scotland fully endorses the view of the Electoral Commission yesterday that clarity, fairness, parity and the need for ‘a level playing field’ are essential components of the campaign.
We have always taken the view that it is important to be open and transparent about any donations received and we intend to publish information on our funding sources in line with this policy. Yes Scotland is strongly of the view that both campaigns should follow the same approach and, ideally, the same timetable.
To that end, could we arrange to meet at a time of your choosing to discuss how this might be agreed and implemented? The desired outcome would be a date on which both campaigns would disclose all donations received above the regulatory threshold of £7,500.
In the spirit of a joint approach to matters of public interest, I would also be keen to explore the possibility of a joint statement from both campaigns in support of the Electoral Commission recommendation on the need for the UK and Scottish Governments to “clarify what process will follow the referendum”. I think the Commission’s firm request for a “joint position” to be agreed between the two governments is a powerful call to action that both campaigns should be able to endorse and encourage.
I am releasing the text of this letter to the news media later today as part of the same policy of transparency in the public interest.
It would be good if we could agree to make joint progress on these issues and I can be contacted on the number below to set up a meeting.
With best wishes,
Blair Jenkins
