DAVIDSON: RULE OUT REFERENDUM
NICOLA Sturgeon is being urged to “wipe the slate clean and start again” – by using a major Holyrood setpiece statement to rule out holding a second independence referendum.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson made the plea ahead of the First Minister announcing her programme for government when MSPs return to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. The SNP leader has already revealed she will bring forward 12 pieces of legislation in the coming parliamentary year, pledging “ambitious” proposals that will build on the “radical” initiatives she has already introduced.
Sturgeon said her ministers would “intensify our focus on improving the wealth and the wellbeing of communities across Scotland”.
Davidson, writing in a Sunday newspaper, said Sturgeon should take the opportunity to rule out a referendum.
She said: “Here’s what she should say on Tuesday. First, end the uncertainty. People have had enough of the SNP’s dance of the seven veils over a second referendum. She should say at the start of her speech there’s no reason to wait for her promised update in October – an independence referendum is off the table and she will focus for the rest of this parliament on the sole job of governing Scotland.
“People made it clear in last year’s general election they want her to call it off. For once, she should show she is listening and act.”