WE regret to inform you that Willie Rennie is at it again. And no, we don't mean a ridiculous photo op.
The Yes movement has had a healthy debate on how backing the People's Vote impacts on a second independence referendum.
Unionist supporters of the People's Vote don't seem to have had that conversation, however, which results in some ridiculous statements.
Enter Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie.
As calls intensify for a second Scottish independence referendum as a result of Brexit, his Unionist side kicked in.
Rennie tweeted: "Nicola Sturgeon is threatening the prospect of another unwanted independence referendum when she should be focused on securing a people’s vote on Brexit. The SNP need to learn the lessons of Brexit. Breaking up is hard to do."
His following tweet was: "The Prime Minister scraped through last night's vote but the deal she put her name to is dead and she has all the authority of a Tunnocks teacake. Time for Conservatives and Labour to back a #PeoplesVote."
So, a People's Vote is absolutely critical, according to Rennie. The circumstances have changed, so it's right for voters to have another say.
Why doesn't Rennie think that applies to Scotland having a new referendum? We await his explanation. Meanwhile, it's probably a rather safe bet that he's afraid of losing.
Though if he values the European Union that much, Scottish independence may end up being his only hope.
The First Minister was among those to respond to Rennie's tweet.
Nicola Sturgeon wrote: "Second referendums after material changes in circumstances are fine, so long as they are the second referendums Willie Rennie wants...says Willie Rennie."
Second referendums after material changes in circumstances are fine, so long as they are the second referendums Willie Rennie wants...says Willie Rennie. https://t.co/F86aOau3w2
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 17, 2019
She was joined by plenty of other Twitter users in pointing out the hypocrisy:
1
Do you honestly not see the glaring hypocrisy in what you're saying, or do you just think the rest of us are too stupid to see it?
— Doug Daniel (@DouglasDaniel) January 17, 2019
2
Unwanted? I voted No in 2014 and indeed I want it. I suspect I am not alone.
— John MacAskill (@John_G_MacA) January 17, 2019
Response?
3
"Let's have a People's Vote, no not these people, those people over there." https://t.co/scqDOklgh7
— Rachel McCormack (@R_McCormack) January 17, 2019
4
You’d have thought that a Scottish MSP, elected by Scottish voters, would be *livid* that his country is the *only* one *NOT* getting what it voted for in the Brexit referendum. https://t.co/wGyUNhWZyD pic.twitter.com/lAwaoUYgZ4
— Colin Dunn (@Zarkwan) January 17, 2019
5
Today in Brexit: Willie Rennie criticises Nicola Sturgeon for working towards a second referendum when instead she should be working towards a second referendum.
— Callum Northcote (@calgnor) January 17, 2019
I always think we've reached peak Brexit and then the bar gets raised. https://t.co/8j2Kw8CIS7
6
Just noticed the awful stab at a better together 2 slogan in there https://t.co/g835l678Rw
— naebd (@naebD) January 17, 2019
7
The first and most important lesson of Brexit is that the British government cannot be trusted to run the hot tap.
— 🧀 David Buckley but 24 now (@dbuckleysnp) January 17, 2019
If Willie Rennie really had Scotland's best interests at heart, he would stand full-square behind independence. #Brexit #FMQs https://t.co/PGYupFUiAj
8
Willie wants a second referendum, just not one that would allow the Scotland to make decisions about its future. He’d rather we were tethered to a broken Westminster system that’s led us into this Brexit mess. https://t.co/3FotcdN0si
— Ross Colquhoun (@rosscolquhoun) January 17, 2019
9
Second referendums are only appropriate when its on something that I agree with politically. You literally have less relevance to modern discourse than a vegan sausage roll. Let that sink in! https://t.co/wz5yOYIwNL
— Dr Whom? (@David_Hilston) January 17, 2019
10
The LibDem position could not be more absurd. They want a second #Brexit referendum (because people have the right to change their mind) but pledge they’ll try to block a second #indyref (because people don’t have the right to change their mind.) https://t.co/bmsnROS0ZO
— JOHN NICOLSON (@MrJohnNicolson) January 17, 2019
11
Nicola Sturgeon is threatening a referendum when what she should be doing is threatening a referendum. https://t.co/ESf6BBmOkC
— Mhairi Hunter (@MhairiHunter) January 17, 2019
12
— Yes Dumfries (@Yes_Dumfries) January 17, 2019
Will the People's-Vote-backing Unionists ever learn?
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