SNP warn of second poll if UK devolution deal stalls

THE SNP has warned there could be a second independence referendum if the UK Government does not agree to devolve more powers, according to reports.

Stewart Hosie, the SNP’s Treasury spokesman in Westminster, is reported as saying that if the government fails to go further than the devolution package already on offer, it could trigger another ballot.

In a newspaper interview, Mr Hosie is reported as saying there could be another vote “if the public – particularly those who voted No [in last year’s Scottish referendum] – think they’ve been sold a pup because what has been promised does not go as far as ...the unprecedented programme of devolution promised by the Prime Minister”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously said the party would only include plans in an election manifesto if there was a “material change in circumstances”, citing the example of Scotland voting to remain in the EU when the UK as a whole chooses to leave.

Mr Hosie’s comments are understood to be the first time anyone in the party has linked the devolution issue with another referendum on independence.

However, a spokesman for Ms Sturgeon said there was “no second independence referendum on the horizon”, adding the party was “not planning for one”.

The spokesman also said: “Mr Hosie’s point was that the question of independence in the years ahead at least in part depends on how responsive Westminster is to the platfor m f or change and substantial more powers that the people of Scotland voted for last month.”