WESTMINSTER parties are being urged to respect Scottish democracy and stop blocking indyref2 in 2023.
The SNP offered a new year resolution suggestion to the Unionist parties – calling on them to respect the result of the 2021 Holyrood election.
A majority of pro-independence MSPs were elected during that vote, but Tories, Labour and the LibDems have argued against the existence of a mandate for a fresh referendum since the results came in.
In November, the Supreme Court found that the Scottish Parliament cannot hold a referendum without the UK Government’s consent via a Section 30 order – now, the SNP intend to use the next General Election as a de-facto vote on Scotland’s future.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour urged to ditch Tory pacts for new year's resolution
Since that judgment, a series of polls have put support for independence over support for remaining in the Union.
SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “As we enter 2023 and people consider positive changes they can make for New Year resolutions, I strongly suggest Westminster resolve to take a new approach to Scotland’s right to hold a referendum by respecting the results of Scottish democracy.”
He went on: “People across Scotland voted overwhelmingly to have a say over their future. Pro-Brexit Labour and the Tories cannot continue to deny Scotland’s right to choose just because they fear the result and have no positive arguments for continued Westminster control.”
Brown said it’s “indisputable” that Westminster is failing Scotland, with Keir Starmer’s Labour offering “zero alternative”.
“Ultimately, the more these Westminster parties do everything in their power to deny Scotland its voice, the more support for independence will grow as people across Scotland see this Trump like tactic for the anti-democratic outrage it is.”
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