SNP seeks backing of MSPs for Indyref2

Anger vented over two-day debate amid ‘jobs crisis’

Holyrood politicians were slated for dedicating a two-day debate to the constitution amid Scotland’s “growing jobs crisis”.

Nicola Sturgeon took her independence bid to the Scottish Parliament yesterday as she sought MSPs’ backing for her constitutional showdown with Theresa May.

The First Minister said Scotland must have the chance to choose its own fate before a “hard Tory Brexit”.

But Gary Smith, for the GMB Union, lashed out at the length of the debate at a time when communities are being hit with job losses across the country.

“It seems Scotland’s political elite are more than happy to have a two-day debate on another referendum but won’t spend 10 minutes of their time on finding answers to our country’s growing jobs crisis,” he said.

The SNP leader last week demanded a breakaway vote in late 2018 or early the following year, only for the plan to be rebuffed by Theresa May three days later.

During the debate, Ms Sturgeon vowed to plug the gaps in the independence argument on issues like the economy, currency and Europe.

She said: “Those of us who advocate independence have a responsibility to consider a range of issues in light of the changed circumstances brought about by Brexit – circumstances we did not choose to be in – and then present that information in a clear way.”

Ms Sturgeon said that she is “within reason” prepared to discuss timing with the Prime Minister to “see if we can find common ground”.

She said it would “not be acceptable” for the UK Government to “stand as a roadblock” to the will of Holyrood.

Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader, said most people in Scotland are “sick to death of the SNP’s games”. “They don’t want another referendum any time soon, just three years after the last one,” she said.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale defended the UK saying it is a “living, breathing union of nations that delivers for the people of Scotland”.

The Scottish Government is asking Holyrood for its approval to pursue a section 30 order to temporarily transfer the power to hold a referendum from Westminster to Holyrood.

The Greens have already pledged their support, which gives the SNP a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament. The vote is being held tonight.

Pictures: Andrew Cowan. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson during the debate.