Dugdale ‘not unsympathetic’ to MEP’s leanings

Britain’s longest serving MEP has claimed Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale is “not unsympathetic” towards his new-found sympathy for Scottish independence.

David Martin has said he would consider voting for Scotland to leave the UK if Prime Minister Theresa May fails to secure what he considers a good Brexit deal.

He met Ms Dugdale, pictured, on Monday, having said he will make a “pragmatic decision” on independence once the full impact of Britain quitting the European Union is clear.

Asked about his leader’s reaction to his position, he told the Herald: “Let’s say she’s not unsympathetic.”

It is understood that Ms Dugdale expressed her sympathy to Mr Martin’s frustration with Theresa May’s so-called hard Brexit plan, rather than voicing approval for secession.

Mr Martin acknowledged Scotland trades far more with the rest of the UK than the EU, but said its fortunes may change after Brexit.

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “They (Kezia and David) are both firmly united in their opposition to the Tories’ reckless plans for a hard Brexit and share many people’s frustration with Theresa May’s approach.

“Both Kez and David have said there should not be a second independence referendum until there is clarity on what Brexit means.”