Europe Decides

I understand that the Greens have been engaged in behind-the-scenes dealings in an attempt to bring the Liberal Democrats and the SNP together in coalition. The two Green MSPs have used the private negotiations that have been ongoing with the SNP to try to convince the Nationalists to move on the issue of a referendum on independence.

Rumour has it, that they have also offered to start formal talks with the Lib Dems without the SNP present, in an attempt to break the deadlock. The referendum issue has prevented any progress on a coalition deal between the SNP and the Lib Dems.

The Lib Dems have insisted they will not even talk to the SNP unless the party drops its referendum plans. The SNP has refused to move on its manifesto commitment to hold a referendum during the lifetime of the parliament.