Experts
fear independence could throw up divided loyalties for the Queen
Solution
could be to appoint representative to act in the Sovereign's name
Claims
Scotland may eventually ditch Royal family and becoming a republic
Comes
amid growing support for independence ahead of September 18 vote
Support
for independence up to 43% with 57% backing the Union
The Queen may be forced to appoint an
Australian-style ‘governor general’ to rule in her name in Scotland if the
country votes for independence next month, it has been claimed.
Constitutional experts fear
independence could throw up divided loyalties for the Queen if there was a
clash between Scotland and the rump-UK in the future.
One solution would be to appoint a
‘governor general’ in Edinburgh to act in the Queen’s name. This could lead
Scotland to eventually ditching the Royal family and becoming a republic within
the European Union, claim experts.
The claim comes as a new poll shows
rising support for independence with just a month to go before the referendum
on September 18.
A YouGov poll for the Times puts
support for independence at 43 per cent, with 57 per cent backing the Union,
once undecided voters are taken out.
Earlier this month just 39 per cent
said they were preparing to vote Yes - with 61 per cent for No.
Scottish Nationalist leader Alex
Salmond has insisted that the Queen will remain head of state in an independent
Scotland.
But his party is split on the issue.
The SNP’s John Mason yesterday called for a referendum to replace the Queen as head
of state in Scotland.
He said: ‘The present queen is very
popular, but the mood of society may change when she leaves the throne.’
Scotland Justice Secretary Kenny
MacAskill has also raised the prospect this year of a referendum on the Royals.
He said it was ‘for the people of Scotland to decide’ on the Queen’s role.
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