The Premier has blamed his press secretary for making a mistake over the issue of Independence.

Last week in an article in The Royal Gazette press secretary Glenn Jones said: "The truth is: Independence will be decided by referendum."

After that, despite repeated requests from The Royal Gazette for the Premier to publicly say he supported a referendum, the only statement that came was: "Nothing to add."

However, when asked his views on a referendum by a United Bermuda Party supporter on Facebook this week Dr. Ewart Brown said: "The Press Secretary made a mistake.

"He meant to say that the UK has said that the method would be a referendum. Since he understands the colonial relationship, he thought he had it right. My party's official position has not changed—that is that we prefer to do it via a General Election."

And last night he said: "Let me state categorically that this election is not about Independence; and the Progressive Labour Party will not be using the election results as a basis for launching a campaign.

"My Press Secretary did comment recently about the Independence issue. But for anyone to try to link the PLP to an Independence campaign now is simply a red herring—it is not on our agenda. I have no intention of being distracted any further on this matter."

He added: "The UBP have consistently raised the issue of Independence during this election campaign and their intention is obvious: to confuse the voter."

But The Royal Gazette's research does not reveal that the UBP "consistently raised" Independence since the election was called on November 9.

The first records of the UBP's mention of Independence is in response to an article in the Bermuda Sun two weeks ago where the Premier said: "My position is that the historical pro-Independence position of the PLP has not changed.

"But when we go to the people to see if they wish to pursue Independence, [our course of action] will be determined by the likelihood of a victory... There's no plan to spring it on people."

The United Bermuda Party then asked the Premier to clarify his views on the situation, in particular would the Premier see winning this election as a mandate for Independence.

Mr. Jones responded by stating that the Premier's view had been "crystal clear".

He said: "The truth is: Independence will be decided by referendum.

"The Progressive Labour Party is a party that believes nationhood is in Bermuda's future. And when that day comes, the PLP will be the right choice for leadership.

"That day, according to polling data, is not here yet."

The Opposition then called for the Premier to make a formal announcement on where the PLP stands on Independence after Mr. Jones stated the issue will be decided by referendum.

Nothing more was said on the matter until the Premier made comment on the issue on Facebook, a popular online community with 9,000 Bermuda residents on it — more than ten percent of the population.