SNP bid for Indyref 2 ‘can be escalated’

SNP MINISTERS yesterday threatened to go ahead with an independence referendum without Theresa May’s approval.

Brexit Secretary Michael Russell signalled the party is plotting other routes to secure a separation vote if the Prime Minister holds firm with her refusal.

During a Brexit debate yesterday, he said: ‘There will be a referendum when the Scottish parliament puts in place the arrangements for that referendum.’

During a BBC Scotland interview last night, Mr Russell said the SNP’s efforts to ensure a vote takes place ‘can be escalated’, adding: ‘Believe me there are options, they will be used, because the Scottish parliament has spoken.’

He insisted it is ‘not our intention to do anything that is contrary to the law’.

But Scottish Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said: ‘It would be absurd for the SNP now to unilaterally declare a referendum without support.’

In a BBC interview last night, Mrs May refused to confirm if she would rule out a referendum ‘in principle’ even after Brexit. She said: ‘The people of Scotland voted in 2014, they voted to stay a part of the United Kingdom... the people gave their message.’