An obstruction of democracy
He backs Sturgeon’s demand for IndyRef2
THE UK Government’s refusal to allow IndyRef2 is an “obstruction of democracy”, the ex-head of the independence campaign has said.
Blair Jenkins, chief executive of Yes Scotland during the 2014 vote, claimed the country would be left in a state of “suspended animation” until an answer was reached on the big constitutional question.
It comes after Nicola Sturgeon signalled she would be willing to negotiate the terms of IndyRef2 with Boris Johnson’s replacement.
The First Minister wants to hold a referendum on October 19 next year and has asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether Holyrood has the powers to stage it without Westminster approval.
Johnson repeatedly insisted “now is not the time” and said the result of the 2014 vote must be respected.
Jenkins, a former BBC Scotland and STV news chief, spoke to the Record hours after Sturgeon had published her Government’s latest paper on independence.
He said the SNP’s mandate to hold a referendum was “unquestionable” and doubted if Westminster opposition could last.
He said: “As a position I don’t think it is sustainable – morally, politically, or intellectually. It’s essentially an obstruction of democracy.
“By any yardstick… the SNP
There is a defining moment coming for UK and Scottish democracy BLAIR JENKINS ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING
secured a mandate for a new referendum in the Scottish elections last year. Anyone who is a democrat would accept there must be a referendum.”
Asked if the election of a new prime minister would change Westminster’s position, he said: “It’s a debate that’s yet to happen.
“I don’t think political opinion across the whole of the UK is fully aware how unquestionable the Scottish Government’s mandate is from the election last year.
“Once that debate is held more fully, I think most fair-minded and reasonable people, even if they don’t want Scotland to leave the UK, would accept there ought to be a referendum.”
When Jenkins took charge of Yes Scotland in June 2012, he called it “a once-in-a lifetime campaign for me and for the people of Scotland”.
But he now believes the 2016 Brexit vote changed the political landscape.
And he backed the First Minister’s plan to request a Supreme Court judgment on the legality of an IndyRef2 before a bill is presented at Holyrood.
He said: “The Supreme Court … has delivered some unexpected judgments. I welcome the referral in as much as we do need clarity on this.
“I think we’re reaching a moment of truth. There is a real defining moment coming for UK democracy and Scottish democracy”.
Sturgeon declared that her party will use the next general election as a proxy referendum if the Supreme Court rejects her plans.
Asked if the SNP was capable of winning 50 per cent of the vote in Scotland at such a poll, Jenkins said: “If that election is fought on the independence issue, and a fully fledged Yes campaign mounted, then I think there is a very good chance of securing 50 per cent of the vote.”