The Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) has “no objection” to the Premier's call for a national discussion on Independence.

But the party is concerned that such a discussion may distract from what it says are the country's “more immediate” issues.

“The last time Independence was seriously considered in 1995, the then United Bermuda Party government made a point of ensuring that there was a community education process to discuss the pros and cons,” said UBP Leader Grant Gibbons.

“Nevertheless we find the Premier's timing interesting and we hope that the call for discussion of Independence is sincere and not simply a way to distract the community from the issues of affordable housing, support for seniors, crime and tourism which have not been adequately addressed to date by the Government. We recognise the Premier and Cabinet have a serious trust and credibility gap in regard to their handling of the Berkley project and the Bermuda Housing Corporation. We believe that properly addressing some of these immediate issues like housing and seniors will help to bring the community together in a real way, and will help to foster a more conducive environment to discuss the topic of independence.”

Dr. Gibbons also called on the Premier to “demonstrate his sincerity for an open discussion” by immediately releasing the PLP's submission on the process for constitutional amendment.

“The PLP's submission should have spelled out how they would take Bermuda to Independence,” Dr. Gibbons continued.

“In the past they have always indicated that this would be through a general election. In contrast the United Bermuda Party has always said that we would go back to the people through a referendum. The PLP needs to clarify their position for the community.”

He would not say whether he supported Independence or not. “My position on it is the party's position which is it should be decided by the people.”

The PLP has consistently taken the position that Independence should be achieved through elections and not a referendum. But it is as yet unclear whether Mr. Scott's speech is an indication that the policy could change.

And the party has promised to make its submission on the process for constitutional change public in the very near future.