The SNP must stop issuing threats that a second independence referendum could be triggered by policy decisions made at Westminster, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
At First Minister’s Questions today leader Ruth Davidson pointed to recent comments by Alex Salmond that the renewal of Trident could be considered cause for a separation poll re-run. The SNP has also hinted that disagreements with the UK Government over defence policy, economic approach and the Scotland Bill would be enough to force people to vote on independence again.
Nicola Sturgeon even said the inability of new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to become Prime Minister would be a sufficient change in circumstances. Despite this, the First Minister today refused to offer clarity on the issue, meaning uncertainty will continue to surround the matter just a year after Scotland voted decisively to stay part of the UK.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“In recent days the First Minister’s predecessor has raised the ridiculous prospect that Trident renewal could be a trigger for a second referendum on independence.
“This is despite the fact a decisive majority voted to remain in the UK last year, with our nuclear deterrent on the Clyde as part of that, and polls showing most Scots support its existence.
“Nicola Sturgeon has to realise that last year the people of Scotland were promised that the referendum was a once-in-a-generation event.
“But just this week we’ve been told that triggers could include a defence policy she doesn’t like, an economic plan she’s opposed to, a devolution settlement she disagrees with, or even a new Labour leader she doesn’t think can win.
“In short, the trigger for another referendum for this Scottish Government is any day that ends in a ‘Y’.
“The fact is the SNP is just scratching around trying to find any excuse to get the referendum rematch it so desperately wants.”