Walkout by Scottish MSPs stops debate on new poll
A VOTE for a fresh independence referendum in Scotland was postponed after MSPs walked out of the debate in protest following the London attack.
The deputy presiding officer at Holyrood initially indicated the debate would continue as events unfolded in Westminster.
But as MSPs left the chamber presiding officer Ken Macintosh intervened and the debate was suspended.
The decision to suspend was welcomed by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who tweeted: “Very pleased that sense has won the day and Holyrood has been suspended until we have a better understanding of what is going on in WM.”
MSPs had been due to vote on whether the Scottish Government should seek discussions with the Conservative administration at Westminster on the details of a section 30 order – the legal mechanism that would allow a second independence ballot to be held.
The SNP administration had been expected to win the vote with Green support.
The Holyrood debate and vote will now take place at another time, with parliament bosses due to meet this morning.
In a statement, Mr Macintosh said: “Members of all parties represented in this Parliament will want to join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy for all those affected by the tragic events at Westminster.
“As the true seriousness of the incident emerged, and as an expression of our support for our sister Parliament, parliamentary business at Holyrood was suspended this afternoon for the remainder of the day.
“No matter how significant our debate might be, to have continued further would not have been appropriate. It was increasingly apparent from the chair as reports emerged that the thoughts and concerns of members lay elsewhere.”