Labour Party's official position today on the impending Independence referendum.

Last night, several Opposition MPs who were contacted by The Royal Gazette refused to steal any of the party leader's thunder, declining to comment on the outcome of a Monday night meeting of the PLP's central committee on Independence and fixing Mr. Wade as the party's official voice on the issue.

Mr. Wade, who this week dismissed a call of support for the referendum by the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda as inconsequential, has stated that the PLP could advise Bermudians to pursue one of three courses of action on the matter -- vote "yes'' in a referendum, cast a "no'' ballot or stay home.

Mr. Wade has further said that the party might seriously consider a boycott of the vote, which is expected to be held in July.

Meanwhile, the Senate begins debate today on the legislation that is to pave the way for a referendum.

All eyes will be on the three Independent Senators who hold the swing votes on the issue.

The 1995 Independence Referendum Act was passed in the House of Assembly last month by a vote of 20 to 18.