MIKE Russell has called for patience among independence supporters, underlining the need for the SNP to choose the “right moment” for indyref2.
Speaking ahead of Nicola Sturgeon’s keynote speech, Scotland’s Brexit Secretary said another referendum should only take place when Scotland is “persuaded, ready and determined to win”.
With Brexit less than six months away, Russell also criticised Theresa May’s “destructive, dysfunctional UK Government”.
He stressed that independence was more than just an alternative future for Scots but could also lead to the creation of a “better Scotland”.
Russell said: “Deciding the when can only come after agreeing on the why. Because the why isn’t just about grabbing a lifeboat in choppy and dangerous seas. The why is about a route to a better Scotland, in a better Europe influencing the creation of a better world.”
“It can only happen when we find the right moment and the right arguments to make it happen.”
Russell also stated that the SNP “will not be the midwives of Brexit, willing dislocation and disaster upon our country”, while hitting out at hardline Brexiteers.
“These extremists regard anything that interferes with the so called ‘sovereignty of Westminster’ as dangerous and unacceptable.
“A no-deal Brexit is their ideal destination, allowing them to pretend that Britannia still rules the waves. And they will waive the rules to get it. So I fear that if they have their way it is not just Europe that is dispensable.
“Devolution is dispensable too, as are Scotland, and Wales and even Northern Ireland – where the threat to devolution is also a threat to peace and security.”
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel