THE campaign for a second referendum on leaving the European Union will be stepped up today north of the Border as new organisation “Scotland for a People’s Vote” is launched.
The group is being unveiled in Edinburgh and comes a month after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said SNP MPs would back the option if it came to a vote in the Commons.
Anti-Brexit campaigners have been pressing for a fresh referendum on whatever exit plans result from talks with EU leaders, with supporters coming from the Tories, Labour and the LibDems. Last month an estimated 700,000 people gathered in central London to call for a second referendum on a final Brexit deal.
MPs from across the political spectrum and a slew of famous names took part in the People’s Vote march.
But Prime Minister Theresa May has already rejected the calls – and while Labour has not ruled it out, it wants a general election to decide the issue.
Dr Kirsty Hughes, director of the Scottish Centre on European Relations think tank, and John Edward, former head of the European Parliament office in Scotland, will speak at this morning’s launch.
They will be joined by former Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz, incoming chair of the European Movement in Scotland campaign group.
The launch comes as senior figures in the SNP, including MP Pete Wishart, have expressed concern over the First Minister’s backing for a second EU referendum amid concerns it could create a further obstacle to Scottish independence.
A poll of 300 readers on The National’s website yesterday found 38% backed a second EU vote, 50% were against and 11% were unsure.
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