THE 23rd anniversary of the vote in favour of a Scottish Parliament was “re-affirm” Scotland’s democracy amid a threat posed to devolution by the UK Government, the Scottish Government’s Constitution Secretary said yesterday.
Michael Russell warned that Scotland’s “democratic mandate is under threat as never before” as he accused the Tories of trying to “cripple” it with the UK Government’s Internal Market Bill.
His warning marked the 23rd anniversary of the Scottish devolution referendum on September 11, 1997 when 74% of Scots voted in favour .
Earlier this week, a furore erupted after the Government admitted its controversial Internal Market Bill breaks international law.
Russell claimed the Tories are “intent on stealing votes” from those who backed devolution in the 1997 referendum.
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Russell said: “This anniversary is a moment to reaffirm a commitment to Scotland’s democratic right to choose its own future.
“In 1997, the people voted overwhelmingly for a Scottish Parliament, but that democratic mandate is under threat as never before.
“The Tories never wanted a Scottish Parliament in 1997.
“Now they are trying to cripple it with a piece of legislation they admit is illegal – and which has been denounced at home and abroad, even by members of their own party.
“The Tories are intent on stealing the votes of those who backed devolution 23 years ago – they must not, and will not, be allowed to get away with it.”
Russell added: “In 2014 Scotland was promised the only way to protect our place in Europe was to reject independence – that promise has been betrayed.
“In the 2016 Brexit campaign we were told a Leave vote would see Scotland gain control of immigration – that was a blatant falsehood.
“And following the Brexit vote we were told it would see a bonanza of new powers for Holyrood – the reality, as is now plain to see, is instead a monumental power grab on Scotland’s national Parliament.
“At every single turn the Tories have misled the people and betrayed the promises made to Scotland.
“It is now clearer than ever that only independence can protect the Scottish Parliament, and if the people back an independence referendum in next year’s Scottish Parliament election, no Westminster government has a right to block it.
“Independence offers a better, brighter and safer future for Scotland.”
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