The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Salmond refuses to close referendum loophole
Reports claim SNP will seek to utilise little-used Holyrood ruling
Alex Salmond has refused to rule out the prospect of a second independence referendum being held without the UK Government’s permission.
Reports in multiple Sunday newspapers suggested First Minister Nicola Sturgeon might press on with an advisory vote following knockbacks from Downing Street over the prospect of Scotland going back to the polls.
Her predecessor did little to dampen speculation when pressed on the issue.
Mr Salmond told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show: “The Theresa May line – this is not the time or now is not the time – is not going to stand.
“Back in the day, I remember David Cameron telling me there wasn’t going to be a Scottish referendum but that didn’t last against the democratic wishes of the Scottish people and the Scottish Parliament and neither will the Theresa May line.
“It won’t necessarily crumble today or tomorrow or next week but over the next few months that line will crumble because no British prime minister can stand against the democratic wishes.
“Even Margaret Thatcher, for goodness’ sake, was prepared to acknowledge the right of the Scottish people to exercise self-determination. Self-determination delayed, like justice, is self-determination denied and it just won’t stand politically.”
The Prime Minister has repeatedly stated she will deny an independence referendum until the UK has left the EU, despite MSPs voting by 69 to 59 in favour of seeking permission for another ballot to take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.
Ms Sturgeon has said she will set out her plans for pursuing a second vote in the wake of No 10’s dismissal when Holyrood returns from Easter recess.
She dismissed suggestions of an early Holyrood election and legal action to end the stand-off with Theresa May in a radio interview on Saturday.
According to The Sunday Times, senior SNP figures are considering using a little-known loophole, last used to outlaw pavement and double parking, and push through the parliamentary process for another plebiscite even if it is ruled incompetent by Holyrood’s Presiding Officer, Ken Macintosh.
“The SNP are using EU supporters to push for a referendum but will sell them out to get independence,” said Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie.