MP: Snap Holyrood poll could be de facto referendum

Scotland should hold a Holyrood election next year as a de facto vote on Scottish independence if Britain’s top court refuses to allow a referendum without Westminster consent, according to an MP. Supreme Court judges will hear arguments on Tuesday from the Scottish Government that a “consultative” referendum on Scottish independence can go ahead without permission from the UK Government.

SNP MP Angus MacNeil said the “most likely” outcome would be the court refusing to grant permission, and that a Holyrood election should be held in its place.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to attempt to fight the next General Election as a de facto referendum if judges refuse to sanction a vote next October. But MacNeil said: “We don’t want to wait until Westminster is ready to have an election. I would like to see an election within the timeframe of the referendum.”