Moray MSP welcomes independence 'route map'
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Richard Lochhead has welcomed the route map towards Scotland’s independence referendum set out by the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament today.
Nicola Sturgeon has stated that her aim is to stage a second referendum on October 19, 2023.
According to the Independence Referendum Bill published today, voters would be asked the same question as in 2014: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Mr Lochhead claimed that it is "beyond doubt" that the Scottish Government has a mandate to hold a referendum following the results of the Scottish elections last year.
He said: "That democratic mandate should be respected.
"In an ideal world the UK Government would be sitting down with Scottish Government Ministers to agree a process, including a section 30 order, to allow the people of Scotland to decide our future.
"But this UK Government – which does not have the support of the people of Scotland – continue to try to block a referendum, which increasingly looks like a position based on fear and their inability to make a convincing case for Scotland to remain in the union.
"The process set out by the First Minister is welcome and I am pleased that the Lord Advocate has immediately referred the bill to the Supreme Court in order to secure absolute clarity on the legality of the plan being pursued by the Scottish Government.
"I agree wholeheartedly with the First Minister that Scotland’s referendum must be lawful.
Mr Lochhead, who is Moray's MSP, added: "With all that has happened in recent years, no would could argue that we live in the same world we did in 2014.
"It is right that the people of Scotland are given the opportunity to once again have their say on the future of our country.
"We have huge potential and the powers of independence would give us the opportunity to transform our country, building a Scotland that is fairer, richer, and greener."
Douglas Ross, who's is Moray's MP and the leader of the Conservatives, branded the move "divisive".
He said: "The real priorities of people across Scotland are on the back burner.
"Nicola Sturgeon has shown again today that the SNP’s selfish obsession with another divisive referendum is always their top priority.
"She will use government time and resources to further her plan to break up the country, just when we need to be pulling together and working as one.
"On the First Minister’s watch, this is becoming a do-nothing parliament."
Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader who has family in Lossiemouth, said the Scottish Government should be focussing instead on the NHS, supporting businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.
In her statement at Holyrood today, Ms Sturgeon said that if the supreme court ruled that holding a referendum would not be a lawful use of her government’s resources, the SNP would would make independence its only policy at the next UK general election.
