Axe Indyref 2 and do your day job, Nicola told yet again
‘Tough love’ will get people off benefits, insists Tory
NICOLA Sturgeon has again been urged to ditch plans for a ‘divisive second referendum’ on independence and focus on tackling the growing crisis in public services.
The First Minister has pledged to set out her ‘next steps’ in the Scottish parliament on Wednesday.
The Scottish Government debate on ‘Scotland’s Future’ follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson ruling out another vote on separation.
He called for an end to the ‘political stagnation’ north of the Border in a letter to Ms Sturgeon this month, amid mounting concerns about problems in health, education, policing and the economy.
However, Ms Sturgeon has insisted she remains determined to
‘Should address her record of failure’
force a second vote on independence later this year.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: ‘Nicola Sturgeon should remember she represents everyone in Scotland, not just the minority who support a divisive second referendum.
‘With NHS boards in crisis, police stations crumbling and our education system in disarray, the First Minister should use her statement to abandon an unwanted and unnecessary second referendum and announce a blueprint for fixing public services.’
The Scottish Government refused to say what Ms Sturgeon’s ‘next steps’ will be, although it is understood legal action is unlikely.
Other options include launching a referendum Bill, covering things such as the date and question; setting out civil servants’ work on a new blueprint for independence; or announcing a new grassroots campaign similar to the nowdefunct Yes Scotland.
The pro-independence think-tank Common Weal last week called for an escalating campaign. That would include protests that force the closure of roads and railways – and even a unilateral declaration of independence.
Ms Sturgeon is unlikely to try anything so drastic but her plans will inevitably cost time and money that could be used to tackle what critics say are more pressing problems, including:
• Police Scotland’s financial black hole;
• The infection crisis at Glasgow’s flagship Queen Elizabeth University Hospital;
• Falling school standards;
•Drug deaths at a record high;
• Sluggish economic growth. Scottish Tory chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘It doesn’t matter what trick or deception Nicola Sturgeon has up her sleeve. That this stunt is happening is a disgrace.’
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: ‘It’s time for Nicola Sturgeon to start addressing her record of failure.’
A spokesman for the First Minister said: ‘There is a cast-iron democratic mandate to offer the people of Scotland a say on their future.’