The Opposition has called for the Premier to make a formal announcement on where the PLP stands on Independence after his press secretary stated the issue will be decided by referendum.

Glenn Jones was asked earlier this week if Dr. Ewart Brown had a response to Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley's claim that he had not been clear on the topic.

In a reply he asked to be attributed to himself, not the Premier, Mr. Jones 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."

In 2006 more than 15,000 people – equivalent to 52 percent of the valid votes cast in the last election – signed a petition asking for the issue to be decided by referendum.

However, Dr. Brown has not made a specific statement on how the issue would be decided, stressing in recent interviews that Independence is not seen as an issue on the "front burner" in the election campaign.

Yesterday, E.T. (Bob) Richards of the United Bermuda Party called on him to make his personal position clear.

"Until this week, the PLP have always argued against a referendum – but now the longstanding position is publicly reversed by a press secretary in the middle of an election campaign, and we have to wonder who is calling the shots for the Progressive Labour Party? We believe the country needs to hear from the Premier's own mouth, indeed, to read his lips on this important issue," he said.

"What is the PLP position on a general election and Independence? Is a vote for the PLP a vote for Independence? Is a vote for the PLP a vote for Independence by way of referendum? All we're asking is a formal statement on where the PLP stands on this question.

"There is too much history behind the original position and too many questions behind this week's about-face."

Mr. Richards said if the United Bermuda Party wins December 18's general election, it will give the people of Bermuda the right to initiate a referendum on any issue of national importance – including Independence - where 20 percent of registered voters request a national vote by way of a petition.

This newspaper put several requests to Mr. Jones for comment from the Premier prior to the United Bermuda Party's statement yesterday. He replied yesterday afternoon that there was "nothing to add".