Johnson dismisses new referendum for Scotland

london — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the “strength of the union” on Thursday, using a visit to Scotland to dismiss the possibility of a new independence referendum for a nation that is increasingly at odds with his government.

With some polls suggesting a slim majority of people in Scotland now support independence from the rest of the United Kingdom, Johnson was keen to press the case for the whole country working together to tackle the coronavirus and economic crisis.

The pandemic and Brexit have badly strained the ties that bind the kingdom’s constituent parts — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland’s pro-independence government opposes leaving the European Union and accuses Johnson of mistakes in responding to Covid-19.

“The union is a fantastically strong institution, it’s helped our country through thick and thin. It’s very, very valuable in terms of the support we’ve been able to give everybody throughout all corners of the UK,” Johnson told reporters after arriving in Orkney, an island group off the northern coast of Scotland.

Asked whether there was a growing case for a new independence referendum after Scotland voted in favour of the union in 2014, Johnson said: “We had a referendum in 2014. It was decisive — it was, I think, by common consent, a once in a generation event.”

While in Scotland, Johnson will meet businesses and members of the military, marking a year since he took office by reaffirming a commitment to increase opportunity and prosperity for all parts of Britain.—

AP prIZE cATcH: Johnson holds crabs caught on the carvela with Karl Adamson at Stromness Harbour, during a visit to the Highlands and Northern Isles of Scotland on Thursday. —