The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sturgeon ready to pounce
First Minister says PM’s ‘huge political miscalculation’ will strengthen ‘mandate’ for another Scottish referendum
The SNP’s case for an independence referendum will be “reinforced” by the general election result in Scotland, says the First Minister.
Nicola Sturgeon dubbed the Prime Minister’s call for a snap election a “huge political miscalculation” because it will strengthen their mandate for another breakaway vote.
The Nationalists won a remarkable 56 out of 59 seats in the Westminster election two years ago.
The SNP leader suggested they could produce a similar result in June, which she said would build upon the “cast iron” Indyref2 mandate they secured from last year’s Holyrood election and last month’s backing from MSPs.
Responding to Mrs May’s shock announcement, Ms Sturgeon said it is “one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history”.
“In terms of Scotland, this move is a huge political miscalculation by the Prime Minister,” she added.
“It will once again give people the opportunity to reject the Tories’ narrow, divisive agenda, as well as reinforcing the democratic mandate which already exists for giving the people of Scotland a choice on their future.”
Holyrood backed Ms Sturgeon’s call for a secession vote in late 2018 or early 2019, but that was rebuffed by Mrs May.
The PM has repeatedly said “now is not the time” for an independence referendum because it could undermine negotiations with Brussels and would force Scots to vote blind – not knowing what Brexit looks like.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson welcomed the announcement. “We know the SNP will use this campaign to try and manufacture a case for separation,” she said. “And with Jeremy Corbyn having already said he is ‘absolutely fine’ with an immediate referendum, we also know that Labour can’t be relied upon to stand up to them.
“By contrast, the Scottish Conservatives have the strength right across Scotland to stand up for people who oppose the SNP’s plans.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “At this election, the choice again will be clear: a Tory party intent on a hard and damaging Brexit or a Labour party that will oppose a second independence referendum and fight for a better future for everybody.”
Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said they are “relishing the prospect of this election”.
“At this election we will stand proud for a United Kingdom within the European single market.
Patrick Harvie, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, said the Tories are holding the election “for much the same, self-serving reasons as the EU referendum itself”.
“Since June they have also consistently ignored voters in Scotland and elsewhere who chose to stay in Europe and the single market.”
In terms of Scotland, this move is a huge political miscalculation by the Prime Minister. NICOLA STURGEON