Referendum bid will cost the SNP dear

SO much for 2014’s independence referendum being a ‘once in a generation’ event. Today, we reveal First Minister Nicola Sturgeon plans to call another vote on the future of the UK next year.

Miss Sturgeon plans a year-long charm offensive aimed at softening opposition to independence before calling a snap referendum in the second half of 2017.

But the truth is that she is out of step with both the needs of Scotland and the wishes of the majority of Scots. The Nationalists’ obsession with the constitution has got in the way of the good, day-today government of Scotland.

SNP strategists have persuaded themselves that Brexit will lead enough of those who voted No in 2014 to change their minds. But those spinners and plotters take a very great deal for granted.

If the UK’s decision to leave the EU creates uncertainties, a decision by Scotland to break away from our partners in these islands would create very many more.

Polls show a majority of Scots remain committed to the Union. Miss Sturgeon, for all her political gifts, has not been able to shift opinion in her favour.

She may believe she can yet exploit Brexit to her advantage but, as we report today, her reaction to the EU vote has, so far, been more spin than substance.

An expert panel she set up to advise the Scottish Government on its response to the UK’s decision to leave Europe has still not considered any proposals, nor will it produce a final report or make any recommendations.

Miss Sturgeon has always been considered a more thoughtful, cautious politician than her predecessor, Alex Salmond. A reckless attempt to win independence so soon after it was rejected is out of character. She will live to regret it.

Scots have spoken loudly and clearly: a majority wish to remain in the UK.

As she sets her party up for a second referendum defeat, Miss Sturgeon stands to damage irreparably the SNP’s reputation for competence.