‘Zero plans’ for withdrawal will fuel indyref2, says expert

Theresawill independenceleading Danny drive economist.May’s Blanchflower,Scotland referendum,“zero towards plans”a formera for says second Brexita member Monetary of Policythe Bank Committee,of England’ssays Scots’ pro-immigration tendencies are also key in building support for indyref2.

The part-time professor at Stirling University told the Herald: “(Scotland) has a declining population.

“It wants to be part of Europe, and likes immigration, and would presumably like a say in what is going on. The economics, in some way, will drive the move to referendum.”

He said the timing of indyref2 is “up in the air”, but added: “Prospects are higher of a referendum mostly because the May Government apparently has zero plans and no exit strategy. They are not going to be able to negotiate access to the single market without free movement (of people) and they can’t negotiate any trade deals, so they are stumped.”

Scotland voted to remain in the EU in June’s referendum, but faces being pulled out on the back of votes elsewhere in the UK – a scenario the SNP manifesto said would give the Scottish Parliament the right to hold a second independence plebiscite.

A UK Government spokeswoman said: “We are determined to build a national consensus around our negotiating position and are going to listen and talk to as many organisations, companies and institutions as possible to do this, so we get the right deal for Britain.”

An SNP spokesman said: “Professor Blanchflower is absolutely right – the Tory response to Brexit has been nothing short of shambolic.”

He added the option of a second independence referendum is an option within the Scottish Government’s bid to protect the country’s place in Europe.

The economics, in some way, will drive the move. PROFESSOR DANNY BLANCHFLOWER

Picture: Alan Richardson. The City of Culture Flag is raised in Dundee.