Ian Blackford: indyref2 must 'be the opposite of Brexit Britain's anger'

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday National, Blackford also insisted that MPs had a responsibility to be careful in their language and told of how he was “ambushed by a group of thugs” during the Brexit protests which have sprung up in central London.

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“I called out the PM for having failed to apologise for what she said. In effect, she put herself alongside the people and Parliament as acting against the people. I’m not saying she is responsible for what we’ve witnessed over these past few days, but you have to be careful in your language.

“Another example is Tim Loughton, who seemed to imply that the freedoms of the people of Scotland to live and work in the UK might be open to question. As politicians, we have a responsibility to calm things down,” he said.

Blackford recounted his own experience with aggressive protestors.

“When I came out of the cabinet office last Friday, I was ambushed by a group of thugs. Yesterday, I was being interviewed by the BBC outside of Parliament and yet again, I was called a traitor by people on the street. In the instances I’ve had, it has been loud rather than anything else.

“If you contrast these scenes with with the People’s Vote march – that was a carnival atmosphere. There was a real edge yesterday. People have a right to protest but it must remain within the bounds of what’s acceptable,” he added.

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The MP then issued a direct plea to Scots to ensure that their conduct in another independence campaign was the complete antithesis of what unfolded in London on Friday.

“As we head towards a possible independence referendum, it is key for us to remain calm. We must push the message across that we will have a conversation with the people of Scotland. We are trying to build consensus. We are trying to extend a hand to those who weren’t with us in 2014. How we conduct that debate is really important. It can’t be about shouting - it’s got to be about respecting other positions,” he urged.

He then questioned the type of country that Scots would rather be a part of.

“We need to ask people what sense of vision and values they have for the society they live in. This is how freedom of movement in Scotland ensures we are a welcome and open society. It is what makes Scotland the best destination, what drives excellence across our economic base and ensures that we have excellence in academia and having talent coming in.

“It is really important that we are on the other side of that and that we create a space for people to say: there is an alternative that is about a country with a society that is liberal and welcomes all expressions of opinion, colours, creeds, religion and so on – creating a space where people feel at home and that they can make a contribution to Scottish life; economically, socially and culturally,” he said.

“That is a sharp contrast to the ugliness on display yesterday.”

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With regards to the tenuous position of Theresa May, Blackford fully acknowledged that the conventions of Parliament, whoever distant a memory they may seem, would suggest an election to be the way ahead, something he “would welcome on that basis”.

“You used to say a week is a long time in politics but now it’s an hour-by-hour basis,” he said.

As he prepared to return to London, and whatever the week will throw at Parliament, he offered a final appeal to all MPs to consider their votes carefully.

“I think MPs are well aware of the impacts of Brexit, and no one is saying you should disrespect how anyone voted in the referendum – but you know the economic impact will be severe and you know that there is nothing better than the status quo in terms of being a member of the EU. You have a responsibility to provide a bit of leadership as well.”