SNP Surrender on Referendum

Comments by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford that the war in the Ukraine may impact on the SNPs proposed independence referendum brought derision from Kenny MacAskill MP, ALBA Party Depute Leader.

In an interview widely reported today, the SNP’s Westminster Leader has poured cold water on an independence referendum occurring next year due to the current war in Ukraine. Mr Blackford has cautioned those wanting immediate progress on organising a second vote on independence to be “mindful of where we are” given events elsewhere in the world.

Commenting, ALBA Depute Leader Kenny MacAskill MP said:

“This is just the latest of many excuses from Mr Blackford. He’s promised a referendum the following year on an annual basis for quite sometime now. This is just the latest attempt to justify the total inactivity of the SNP in pushing for independence.

“The war brings into sharp focus why independence is necessary for Scotland. The risk of an escalation sees Scotland unable to remove weapons of mass destruction from its shores. The humanitarian crisis that’s unfolding sees Scotland impotent to play its part in addressing the escalating refugee crisis.

“And finally the economic fallout from the conflict will see the cost of living crisis morph and increase the poverty many Scots are facing. Just as the powers of an independent nation are required to address the consequences of Covid, they’re also vital for Scotland in the world created by the invasion of Ukraine.”