Letters signed by Angus Coull on behalf of Independence First, putting this claim, have been delivered to Jack McConnell, First Minister of the Scottish Executive, and to Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for Scotland - a member of Tony Blair's government, and one of his closest political allies.

The two recipients were asked to pass on the contents of the letter to their colleagues - that is, to the Liberal-Democrat and Labour Party MSPs in the case of Jack McConnell, and to the members of Tony Blair’s government in the case of Douglas Alexander - so that they could consider this demand for a referendum on independence for Scotland without delay.

Angus Coull was born in London, raised in England until the age of eleven, and has voted both Conservative and Liberal Democrat in the past. Mr Coull said "I know relations between Scots and English are quite a hot topic just now, because of the World Cup, but what we are campaigning for is a simple matter of democracy, and should be supported by genuine democrats of all nationalities".

The Independence First campaigners are actively seeking to embarrass the British government internationally over Scotland’s “lack of democracy”.

They are also planning a march through the heart of Edinburgh, in support of their demand, on Saturday 30th September.

"It is an international disgrace that the people of Scotland have never been consulted in a referendum about whether they want to be part of the United Kingdom or not; we have an internationally recognised right to self-determination" said Neil Caple , Honorary Convenor of Independence First. Mr. Caple continued "This will be our first march, but, if we do not get our rights, it certainly won't be our last!"