Outcry over Corbyn’s claim a second referendum ‘fine’
Labour’s only MP in Scotland accuses leader of ‘destroying’ party
SCOTTISH Labour politicians have rounded on leader Jeremy Corbyn after he said that a second independence referendum would be “absolutely fine”.
On a visit to Glasgow on Saturday, Mr Corbyn also said that a vote “should be held” if the demand existed.
“I don’t think it’s the job of Westminster or the Labour Party to prevent people holding referenda,” he said.
But within hours Labour politicians north and south of the Border had responded furiously.
Ian Murray, Labour’s only MP in Scotland, took to the microblogging website Twitter to accuse Mr Corbyn of “destroying” his own party.
Scottish Labour opposes another vote, which it says is not in the interests of the people of Scotland.
Allies of Mr Corbyn said that if there was another referendum Labour would oppose independence because it would lead to “turbo-charged austerity”.
They also suggested that it would play into the SNP’s hands for Westminster to block a vote.
But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added to Labour’s woes by saying that it was a “pleasure” to have Mr Corbyn campaign Scotland.
Scottish Labour insiders are furious that the row has blown up just weeks before voters go to the polls in the local elections.
Conservative leader Theresa May has called on Scots to send the SNP a message that they do not want another referendum by voting Tory in May.
Scottish Labour slumped to third behind the Tories in Holyrood last year, in part because Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson’s party was seen as stronger on the Union.
Sources at Westminster also expressed anger that Mr Corbyn’s comments had diverted attention away from the Conservative Government’s difficulties over last week’s Budget.
The power to hold a binding vote in lies with Westminster, meaning that Mrs May could technically veto another referendum.
But No.10 has refused to be drawn on whether or not Mrs May would block a second vote.
Senior Conservatives privately fear that preventing another poll could drive up support for independence.
On Friday, former Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg warned the Conservatives not to block a second referendum by imposing a “fatwa” against Scottish independence.
In a statement after his initial comments Mr Corbyn said: ‘’Scottish Labour will oppose another referendum on independence. If the Scottish Parliament votes for one, we will not block that democratic decision at Westminster.”
Scottish Labour also put out a statement reiterating its opposition to a second referendum but stopped short of calling for Westminster to vote to block one.
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “Scottish Labour is firmly opposed to a second referendum. Our country is divided enough and we will vote against any SNP plans for another divisive referendum.
“As figures from across the political spectrum have said, including Ruth Davidson, Westminster should not block it if the people of Scotland want another referendum. But it’s quite clear that the people of Scotland don’t want another referendum.”
Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said: “We had our referendum on independence, it was meant to be definitive and respected by all. Holding another one is not ‘fine’.”
Ms Davidson accused Mr Corbyn of demonstrating “he is happy to let the SNP roll over him”.
Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said: “He [Mr Corbyn] just doesn’t seem to care about the United Kingdom sticking together.”