Pausing to wait for the outcome of Brexit is the best idea, MSP Gil Paterson says on #ScotRef reset

MSP Gil Paterson has welcomed the First Minister’s commitment to letting the Scottish electorate decide its future post-Brexit.

It follows a statement in the Scottish Parliament where Nicola Sturgeon also asked the opposition to work with the government in securing a good deal for Scotland from the UK’s departure from the EU.

He said: “The Tories are making a pig’s ear of politics right now and I do not expect them to walk away with a great deal for Scotland at the Brexit negotiating table.

“It’s only common sense that Scots should be allowed to choose between their potential futures, after this constitutional upset with potentially massive implications on their lives.

“It is for that reason I am glad the First Minister has sealed her commitment to letting the electorate decide the future post-Brexit, and not politicians who have no mandate in Scotland.

“I see no issue with pausing and waiting to see exactly what the outcome of Brexit is going to be – that to me is responsible and considerate politics. This sensible approach is what the public expect of the SNP government, our triple-lock mandate is still in place.

“Despite the chamber dramatics from the Tories and Labour, each of their leaders has actually agreed that another referendum should not be blocked, including: Ruth Davidson, David Mundell, Kezia Dugdale and Jeremy Corbyn.

“I’m pleased there’s a recognition that independence is worthwhile with or without Brexit. I was glad to hear the SNP will be working with others who believe in independence to inform the Scottish people of the many benefits, from economy, equality and beyond.”

ENDS

NOTES

Party leaders’ support for a referendum

Ruth Davidson said it should happen

• On the BBC Sunday Politics Scotland on 3 July 2016, Ruth Davidson opposed blocking a new IndyRef saying: “I have never said it should be denied…Constitutionally the UK Government shouldn't block it, no."

Kezia Dugdale said it should happen

• Kezia Dugdale told the Guardian (7 July16) that would be “categorically wrong” to prevent second referendum on Scotland’s future and “we should keep all options on the table”.

And David Mundell said it should happen

• He told BBC Sunday Politics on 5 February 2017: "Of course there could be another referendum, that is a process issue."

And Jeremy Corbyn said it should happen

• "If a referendum is held then it is absolutely fine, it should be held. I don't think it's the job of Westminster or the Labour Party to prevent people holding referenda." - PA, 11 March 2017

The triple-lock mandate for a referendum remains in place:

• The SNP was elected last May with the biggest constituency vote of any party since devolution on a clear commitment in its manifesto that: “The Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum …. if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will.”
• The Scottish Parliament backed a new Independence Referendum on 28 March 2017 by a clear majority.
• In the Westminster Election, the SNP won a clear majority of seats on a pledge that “any continued Tory attempts to block the people of Scotland having a choice on their future - when the time is right and the options are clear - would be democratically unsustainable.”