Scotland could have a second independence referendum as soon as 2028, First Minister John Swinney has said. The SNP leader, who was facing other party leaders in a BBC Scotland Debate Night special in Paisley Town Hall, said it was "perfectly conceivable" that a vote on the constitution could be held within two years. Green co-leader Ross Greer said Scotland's future should be "in Scotland's hands".
But Labour leader Anas Sarwar said next month's election was "not about independence", while Conservative chief Russell Findlay said the break-up of the UK would be an "unmitigated disaster". Reform UK's Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, said another referendum would be "divisive" - but did not rule out a future vote if support for a Yes vote reaches 60%. Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said he had not given a second referendum "a moment's thought" because he was focused on other issues.
The party chiefs - who were asked questions by a live studio audience - also clashed over immigration, the NHS and energy during the debate. A second independence referendum would need to be signed off by the UK government. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he cannot imagine another vote taking place during his time in 10 Downing Street.
Earlier on Sunday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told LBC: "We're not having one" and added that "this country has had enough of chaos". At the BBC debate, Swinney told the audience the people of Scotland were "entitled" to decide their own constitutional future. However, he said the country was stuck in a "constitutional logjam" that could be broken by an SNP majority - which the party achieved ahead of the 2014 referendum.
The first minister urged voters to deliver an "emphatic mandate of an SNP majority so the future of our country can be taken into our own hands". Asked when the vote could be held, he said it was "perfectly conceivable to have a second referendum by 2028". Greer said a majority of pro-independence MSPs - from the Greens or SNP - in the next parliament would represent a mandate for a referendum.
He told the audience it was "profoundly anti-democratic" for Westminster to deny Scotland a second vote, and said independence could help the country solve major issues it faces with the NHS and economy. Sarwar said the Scottish government should be focused on fixing the NHS, providing good jobs, building more homes and bringing down cost of living. He added: "This election is not about independence, it's about having a government that works for the people of this country." Findlay warned that a referendum could be given the green light by a "weak" prime minister, insisting his party would "stand up for Scotland's proud place in the union".
Extract — continue reading at the source.
