Tories: We’d boycott a Holyrood indy poll
SNP MSP blasts vote snub pledge
THE Scottish Tories would boycott an independence referendum organised by Holyrood – even if it was ruled legal by a court.
Douglas Ross’s party has been blasted after the Conservatives said they would refuse to participate in another vote.
SNP MSP Alex Neil said: “This is contempt for democracy. It shows they are unfit for office.”
Nicola Sturgeon’s preferred path to a second referendum is an agreement with the UK Government which would transfer the power to hold a legally watertight vote.
Boris Johnson’s refusal to agree a so-called Section 30 order has prompted a growing number of SNP f igures to back an alternative approach.
SNP MP Joanna Cherry has argued that Holyrood could pilot a “carefully crafted bi l l ” on a referendum without Westminster’s consent. She predicted the case would “undoubtedly end up in the UK Supreme Court”, adding: “If they found the bill to be within competence, then we would have a lawful referendum. And one which would be hard for Unionists to boycott.”
Neil has also said the Scottish Government should seek legal advice on Holyrood going it alone on a referendum.
Asked what the response should be if ministers were told the Scottish Parliament could stage their own referendum, Neil said in January: “Do it.”
However, Holyrood staging a referendum unilaterally raises the question of what the response would be by the pro-UK parties.
We asked the Tories if they would take part in a consultative, non-binding referendum organised by Holyrood, if one was ruled legal by a court.
A spokesman said: “No. The last thing that Scotland needs is another divisive independence referendum. The top priorities of the Scottish Conservatives and people across Scotland are fighting the pandemic, saving jobs and rebuilding Scotland stronger after this crisis. The SNP’s push to divide the country all over again as early as next year is reckless.”
Asked the same question, Scottish Liberal Democrat l eader Wi l li e Rennie did not provide a yes or no response:
He said: “Recovery from the pandemic needs a needlesharp focus. It beggars belief t hat some people are spending their time cooking up elaborate ways to distract from that task.”
Scottish Labour did not re spond to the question.