Campaigners must seek new mandate

Nicola Sturgeon should put a second Scottish independence referendum on hold until after then next Holyrood election, a senior SNP MP has suggested.

Pete Wishart, chairman of the House of Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee, said independence campaigners must seek a “renewed mandate in 2021”.

With Prime Minister Theresa May now proposing a Brexit transition period, Mr Wishart added that the full implications of the UK’s decision to quit the European Union as the next Scottish Parliament is being held.

Ms Sturgeon had wanted to hold a fresh vote on leaving the UK between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019 – but after her party lost 21 seats at Westminster in June’s snap election those plans had to be put on hold.

The SNP leader said at that time however it was still “likely” a second referendum could be held over the course of the current Scottish Parliament.

Writing in The National, Mr Wishart said: “With transitional arrangements in place, it is likely that the full impact of Brexit will start to become apparent just as we start to contest the 2021 election.

“We therefore have to seek a renewed mandate in 2021.”

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said the comments “only add to the confusion over what the SNP’s policy is on a referendum”, as he called on Ms Sturgeon to take another vote “off the table for good”.

A spokeswoman for the SNP hit back and said: “Murdo Fraser’s comments are ludicrous – even by his own standards.”

Pete Wishart, left, believes referendum plans should be put on hold. Murdo Fraser, right, says the comments are confusing.