THE Scottish Tories have admitted there will be a fresh referendum on Scottish independence if the SNP win a majority at next month’s Holyrood election.
Two out of three polls released in the last day show the SNP will secure a majority on May 6, while all show a large Greens boost will lead to a bigger pro-independence majority than what was won in 2016.
Current SNP policy is to hold a referendum, with or without consent from the UK Government, if an independence majority is elected on May 6.
READ MORE: Third poll in two days predicts huge pro-independence majority at Holyrood
The Westminster Government has ruled out granting a Section 30 order to allow a new vote to be held regardless of the outcome of the Scottish election – with Boris Johnson suggesting earlier this year that Yes supporters would have to wait until 2055 for another chance to have their say.
Tory ministers insist the 2014 was once in a generation, arguing it is too soon for another ballot.
The Scottish Secretary Alister Jack (below) has also indicated the UK Government would take legal action if Holyrood ministers tried to hold a vote without a Section 30 order.
A new poll today from Savanta ComRes found 53% of Scots support holding a new referendum within the next five years.
In a social media campaign post this afternoon, the Scottish Tories suggested their Westminster colleagues would not prevent a referendum.
Their post read: “With just four more seats, the SNP will win a majority and hold another divisive independence referendum.
“YOU can stop it – but ONLY by giving your party list vote to the @ScotTories.”
The attached graphic states: “With just four more seats, the SNP will hold indyref2. Only a party vote for the Scottish Conservatives can stop them.”
Independence supporters responded positively to the party’s post. “Great news,” said one user. “Glad you guys have confirmed that if we get a majority, that referendum will be held … thanks for making the game easy,” another added.
An apparently pro-Union account responded: “You need to delete this. Boris will say no. DELETE.”
Another added: “I’ve sent them the same message. They are putting a spanner in their own works … crazy.”
READ MORE: BBC Leaders' Debate: Unionists unhappy with Douglas Ross's performance
A spokesperson for the SNP told The National: "The Tories know there is going to be an independence referendum if people vote for it, and these comments concede that that is the reality.
"But the only safe way to deliver that referendum is by re-electing Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister and giving both votes to the SNP in May."
Alex Salmond's Alba Party position is for independence negotiations to start with the UK Government within the first week of the new parliament. They say a "standing independence convention" should then be formed of elected representatives.
As a result of negotiations, a referendum could be called, while another style of plebiscite, legal action, “international and diplomatic initiatives” and “peaceful and popular demonstration” were also options that could be explored, Salmond said.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives said: “The SNP have made it abundantly clear they will hold another divisive independence referendum, even a wildcat referendum, regardless of what the UK Government says.
“Our position remains the same - the last thing Scotland needs is another independence referendum and we will be doing everything we can to stop an SNP majority, block their illegal and divisive referendum, and put all focus on rebuilding Scotland and supporting Scotland’s recovery.”
The party’s post comes after all three polls released over the last 24 hours showed they are on track to lose seats, with Douglas Ross’s approval ratings down following his heavily criticised performance at last week’s BBC Leaders’ Debate.
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