The Liberal Democrats' candidate for London mayor has come out in support of independence from the Union… for both Scotland and London.
Reacting to the latest Panelbase poll which put support for Scottish independence at 55%, Siobhan Benita wrote: “If I were Scottish I’d vote yes at this stage.
“London independence from this shambles of a Brexit Britain wouldn’t be bad either.”
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Yes support soars to 55 per cent in Panelbase poll
The comment from Benita, who withdrew from the London mayoral election after it was postponed until 2021 because of the pandemic, drew anger from many Unionist politicians.
Former Conservative MP for Stirling Stephen Kerr said: “This absurd comment would have you believe permanently ripping our country apart is worth it to escape a policy/government you disagree with.
“Scottish Lib Dems will be appalled.”
If I were Scottish I’d vote yes at this stage.
— Siobhan Benita (@SiobhanBenita) August 19, 2020
London independence from this shambles of a Brexit Britain wouldn’t be bad either. https://t.co/wmxdRt5mWE
Kerr’s sentiment was echoed by Molly Nolan, the LibDem candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross at the 2021 Holyrood elections, who wrote: “Hi Siobhan, Scottish Lib Dem here.
“This debate is a false binary between the status quo and separatism. Please don’t feed into it.
“There’s nothing progressive about putting up borders, and just as Brexit wasn’t a silver bullet, nor is Scottish nationalism.”
However, a LibDem councillor for Whitton in west London, Rob O’Carroll, wrote: “I fully understand your position [Siobhan’s] and have a hard time disagreeing with you.
READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: London is looking at Scotland with envy
“I once looked at the numbers and in terms of population an independent London would be something like the 22nd largest country.
“What London needs is more control of its own future.”
He added: “I'm a great believer that power should be held at the smallest effective level.
“I also find there are few things which are best handled at the national level. They either need local solutions or worldwide solutions.”
O’Carroll’s position echoes that of former LibDem chief executive Andy Myles, who announced his support for Scottish independence in 2014, saying only that could bring power "closer to people".
Benita has been approached by The National to ask if she would like to elaborate on her position.
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