Pro-independence party SNP has announced today a parliamentary shift of strategy on the proposal for a self-determination referendum. Nationalists are now trying to put forward a draft instead of a bill so that it can go out to consultation for a longer period. The move would allow Scotland's Prime Minister Alex Salmond to avoid an early parliamentary defeat, as Labour, Tories and LibDem already said they will oppose a referendum bill.

Salmond said "it's entirely possible, given the number of changes of position that we've seen in the Labour party and the Liberal Democrat party about the idea and concept of consulting the people on the constitutional future, that once we get beyond the febrile atmosphere in the run-up to a UK general election, then it will give MSPs across the chamber a better opportunity to look at the concept and principle, that is whether or not the people of Scotland should be consulted on their own constitutional future."

The move will give the SNP enough time to keep the debate on independence alive after Westminster elections due before summer, and will prevent opposition parties from finishing off discussions on self-determination.

Salmond also said which formula would his party support as regards the question on an eventual referendum. SNP's proposal would consist in asking two questions instead of opting for a single-question ballot: the first one would ask citizens about independence, and the second would demand voters whether they want more transfer of powers from London. The degree of self-government remains indefinite, since there are two alternatives: a moderate increase of devolution, as the Calman Commission proposed, or the transfer of nearly all powers -a proposal known as Devolution Max by independence supporters.

Further information:

• Herald Scotland: Referendum bill published in draft to avoid early death
• Scotsman.com: SNP to publish independence referendum Bill in draft form 'to avoid early death'
• Caledonian Mercury: Independence referendum bill delayed until summer ... at the earliest
• Nationalia:Alex Salmond presents Scotland's independence referendum bill

See the Scotland profile and the dossier Peoples and nations today: Scotland for further information.