DOUGLAS Ross struggled to explain what his party’s position would be if Scotland backs pro-independence parties at the upcoming election during a grilling from STV’s Colin Mackay.
As part of the broadcaster’s new series of face-to-face interviews with the party leaders, Ross faced 15 minutes of intense questioning on indyref2, social housing, the Tory government’s attack on Scotland’s landmark children’s rights legislation and more.
Mackay pressured the Scottish Tory leader to explain his indyref2 stance beyond simply saying the party can “stop” another referendum, but Ross repeatedly went back to electoral soundbites and said he refused to pre-empt the results of the May 6 vote.
The journalist asked the MP: “You say that an SNP majority will lead to an independence referendum. The Prime Minister says he’ll block another referendum. Who do we believe?”
Ross said it “doesn’t matter” what the UK Government or Prime Minister say, because the SNP plan to hold a new referendum regardless.
In January, the party unveiled an 11-point plan to secure independence, which involves requesting a Section 30 order from the UK Government. If this is rejected – which the SNP say there is no “moral or democratic justification” for – they will pass a bill to allow indyref2 to be held after the pandemic.
If the UK Government took legal action against Scotland over this, it would be “vigorously opposed” by Scottish ministers, they say.
Mackay asked Ross: “So the leader of the Scottish Conservatives is saying it doesn’t matter what the Prime Minister says?”
The party leader insisted that’s not what he meant. “That’s what you said!” the interviewer replied, before Ross said it is the SNP arguing that – not him.
READ MORE: Scottish independence 'inevitable' as Yes parties on course for majority
The Scottish Tory chief argued Boris Johnson cannot stop an “illegal” referendum, to which Mackay pointed out he could challenge it in court. UK Government ministers have indicated they would indeed do this.
“Well yes, but why do we need to go through that?” Ross asked. “Why do we need to take this into the courts? Why do we need to have that threat? Why do we need to have people worried about their jobs, worried about employment …”
Mackay then told Ross that if people do vote for a majority of pro-independence parties, that means people want another referendum.
“If [the public] are clear about that, then shouldn’t they be allowed to have that?” he asked Ross.
“I don’t want another independence referendum,” Ross replied.
“I’m not asking you if you want it or not!” Mackay cut in. “I know you don’t want another referendum. You’re the leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. We know you don’t want another referendum. But what if the people of Scotland want another referendum?”
Douglas Ross said Boris Johnson could not stop an 'illegal' referendum
The MP said that on May 6 Scots have an opportunity to stop that happening – but Mackay pointed out they “also have the opportunity to vote for it”. He asked what would happen if Scots do back that.
Ross insisted people should just vote a party which does not want a referendum.
Later, the Scottish Tory boss insisted the Union is based on consent and a partnership of equals. Mackay asked what would happen if Scots wanted to withdraw that consent. “Would you just not allow that to happen?” he asked.
Again, Ross failed to answer the question. He simply said he would not pre-empt the results of the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.
All the latest polling shows Holyrood is set to welcome a pro-independence majority after May 6.
During the interview, Ross was also challenged on his party’s social rent policy. Mackay pointed out that the reason there is low social housing stock is the Tory right-to-buy policy significantly reduced it.
The Scottish Tory leader maintained his support for right-to-buy, prompting Mackay to pressure him on why he wants to build more social housing for it just to be sold off.
Ross also defended the UK Government move to take Holyrood to court over its unanimously approved children’s rights bill, claiming again that the decision came down to small legal issues. Mackay told him the position makes the Tories seem like the “nasty party”.
READ MORE: STV leaders' debate: Douglas Ross mocked for indyref2 comment
The one-to-one interview comes after another poor debate performance for Ross, who went viral for a dismissive response on Tuesday night.
Asked why Scotland could not have a referendum and a recovery from Covid-19, he told the moderator: “You just can’t Colin.” The hashtag #YouJustCantColin trended on Twitter for most of the following day.
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