East Kilbride voters air views on indyref2 poll plan

Yes or No?

It’s the big question in Scotland that is rearing its head again.

Scotland is on the road to a second independence referendum within a decade.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for another vote last week – setting a timetable of 18 months to coincide with Brexit discussions.

However, Prime Minister Theresa May is insisting the conclusion of Brexit negotiations is the priority.

In East Kilbride, there was a mixed response when people were asked if they fancied going to the polls again to decide whether Scotland should remain in the union or not.

First time round, 55 per cent of those eligible to vote in South Lanarkshire sided with the No campaign while Yes pulled in 45 per cent.

Pro-indy campaigners will be hoping that the recent Brexit vote, and the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, changes a few minds.

However, a petition has been set up against the plan for Indyref2, with almost 200,000 people stating they are against another vote taking place.

Almost 3000 signatures have come from the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow consistuency.

The News decided to get a snapshot of views of the people on the streets of East Kilbride.

Would they like a shot at independence – or do they think it’s right to stay within the United Kingdom?

A number of people scoffed at your correspondent as I approached them mentioning “independence” and “referendum” .

It seems the dust has not yet settled in many locals’ minds after the last vote.

Or, maybe, following the split of opinion on the topic, people just don’t want to pick a side yet.

Shopper Jess Spence was against another visit to the independence battleground.

She said: “I am Scottish, and proud, but I’m also British. “I don’t think there is an issue with that. “We didn’t even have a vote that long ago – and I just don’t think many people will have changed their mind.”

Billy Spence admitted he couldn’t face another referendum yet and said: “I honestly can’t be bothered with it.

“I voted No the first time and probably would again but I just don’t understand why we need another one.

“Will we just keep asking the question every couple of years, and just keep going and going until it’s a Yes? I don’t think that’s fair.”

Backing the Yes side was Alicia Lowe from East Mains who, after voting for a breakaway in 2014, told the News she would do so once again.

“Brexit has changed everything for a lot of people,” she said.

“It seems like some crazy decisions are being taken at Westminster – I can’t get on board with it.

“I don’t see why Scotland shouldn’t have another go at it. I believe it will really benefit the country in the long term.”

Jean Menmuir rolls her eyes as soon as the News asks her about the referendum.

“I would probably still vote No even with Brexit,” she said. “Do we really need another referendum?”