UK MINISTERS are to face increased pressure to respect the historic right of Scots to decide how they are governed, amid moves toward a second independence referendum.
SNP MP Patrick Grady is to lead a parliamentary debate on the Claim of Right for Scotland, which has roots in the 17th century and helped pave the way for devolution via an agreed set of principles in 1989.
Following a constitutional convention, which the SNP withdrew from as it did not consider Scottish independence, the Claim of Right reaffirmed the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the government best suited to their needs.
Grady said decisions were still being “foisted upon” Scotland by Westminster, adding that this has been highlighted by the UK seeking to withdraw from the EU.
The SNP has just launched a major “listening exercise” around the issue of holding a second independence referendum.
Areas of concern for the party also include changes in Parliament to ensure only English MPs vote on laws relating to England.
Speaking ahead of his debate, Grady said: “What we would argue, as the SNP, is there is still a democratic deficit; we’re still having decisions we didn’t vote for foisted upon us.
“The key principle of the Claim of Right is the sovereignty of the people of Scotland to choose the form of government best for themselves — the historical concept of popular sovereignty in Scotland.”
The 90-minute debate is scheduled for tomorrow.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here