FORMER Green MSP Andy Wightman has become the third parliamentarian to formally back the legal action aiming to establish that Scotland does not need Westminster’s approval for a second independence referendum.
His affidavit supporting the People’s Action on Section 30 has been lodged at the Court of Session, where the action will be heard next week.
SNP MPs Kenny MacAskill and Angus MacNeil last weekend gave their formal backing to the case, which is being led by indy and disability rights campaigner Martin Keatings.
READ MORE: New Yes poll shows support for independence is still sky-high
Wightman’s move means the action now has written backing from politicians in Holyrood and Westminster.
“It is of vital importance for I as a parliamentarian to be as fully informed as possible as to the constitutional framework under which we operate,” said Wightman.
“My role in representing constituents, scrutinising the executive and making laws requires a working knowledge of such a framework.
“In order to fulfil my responsibilities in relation to debate, representations and legislative proposals concerning Scotland’s constitutional future, I need to understand the relevant provisions of the Scotland Act.
“For these reasons, this case is of great significance and value to me.”
READ MORE: Call to law chief to say ‘exactly’ who he represents in Section 30 independence case
Keatings, the convener of Forward as One, whose crowdfunder for the Section 30 action has raised more than £185,000, told The National: “I am pleased that we now have written support from parliamentarians at both parliaments and that they have chosen to stand beside the grassroots in this action.
“It is for each parliamentarian to decide themselves at this stage if they are going to do the same.”
Wightman quit the Scottish Greens last month, hitting out at a lack of debate in the party over transgender and women’s rights. He is expected to stand as an independent at the next Holyrood elections.
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