If not now, when?

Nicola Sturgeon warned she may be press ahead with plans for a “consultative” referendum on independence without the UK Government if Boris Johnson continues to rule out a repeat of the 2014 vote on leaving the UK. But the SNP leader told supporters yesterday this was not her preferred strategy at the moment.

“It is vital that as we campaign we listen and engage respectfully.” Wow – that would be a first!

Lavrenti Zapadni What a complete waste of time, effort and money. Sturgeon trying to grab the headlines on Brexit day. Get on with the day job, hen.

Claude et moi Here’s a plan, Nicola! Stop ranting on about independence and start governing the country. Show us what plans you have to develop the business sector, encourage foreign investment and, importantly, how to improve relations with our most significant trading partner; that would be England, Nicola, not Europe! Do all that and then we might take your desire for independence more seriously!

A Fine Disregard She has been saying this for years. Always just around the corner, over the next hill, when the time is right, when the stars align, when the gods of independence decree. And the faithful are so stoopid, they don’t see what she is doing. If using the excuse of Brexit has not provided the ideal opportunity (and really, if independence was so good they should not need to rely on external circumstances), then there never will be more perfect timing.

kmcn The result of a “consultative” referendum would be an overwhelming Yes, however, the turnout would be small as unionists would likely not vote, so in effect most Scots would ignore it. The result would therefore be viewed as a No vote and strengthen Westminster’s hand, which is why Sturgeon won’t go down that path.

Ian Mcgregor It’s far from ideal but I can see circumstances in which nationalists may feel they’re left with no option but to hold a consultative referendum to force the hand of the UK Prime Minister. These really are troubled times for Scotland.

David Miller Sturgeon actually said, “My judgement at this stage is that we should use our energies differently.” Yes Nicola, do the day job... Indyref2 is DEAD.

The View From Here Who will pay for this “consultative referendum”? Why should I vote if it has no constitutional meaning?

Nikoliar Slamondski What happened to the “castiron” mandate(s), I wonder.

David Thomson It’s gone all rusty.

Nippy Knew