It is for independence supporters to set out referendum route – Sarwar

It is for independence supporters to set out how they secure a second referendum, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said.

Speaking on Sunday’s televised BBC debate, Mr Sarwar was pushed on what would constitute a mandate for a second vote on separation.

“I think it’s fair to say for those that argue for independence, it’s for them to set out the route that they think it would take,” he said.

“My job is to try and persuade you that, right now, there is so much we have to do.

“Our country needs change right now – you have given John Swinney and the SNP 20 years… give me five and we’ll confront the big challenges this country faces.”

The question was directed at Mr Sarwar as the Labour Government’s UK Health Secretary ruled out a second Scottish independence referendum after the election, saying “this country’s had enough of chaos”.

When questioned by LBC on Sunday about the possibility of another vote, Wes Streeting said: “We’re not having one.”

Mr Streeting said the reason for denying another referendum was because “this country has had enough of chaos”.

“We had an independence referendum not long ago and honestly, let’s just think about what the UK has been through,” he said.

“We’ve had the financial crash, we had years of Tory austerity, we had the catastrophe of Brexit, we’ve had the war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, the Covid pandemic. I think this country has had enough of chaos.”

Pro-independence parties have criticised Mr Streeting’s comments, with the SNP accusing Labour of “sticking two fingers up” at Scottish voters.

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “The Labour Party is sticking two fingers up at Scottish voters, and unwittingly making the case for independence, by arrogantly seeking to deny democracy.

“The fact that senior Labour Party figures are telling Scottish voters their views and votes don’t matter is all the more reason to show them where to go on May 7 by voting SNP.

“The fact is that it will not be Wes Streeting, Keir Starmer or any other Westminster politician who decide Scotland’s future – it will be the people of Scotland. And an SNP majority on May 7 will unlock the fresh start of independence.

“Scotland is an energy-rich country with huge wealth, but under the Labour Party we’re saddled with sky-high bills, Brexit and the constant chaos of Westminster control.

“Voting SNP on May 7 is the only way to secure a fresh start with independence and use our energy wealth to tackle the cost of living and protect our NHS.”

The Scottish Greens said that Mr Streeting’s comments showed “complete contempt” for Scotland.

Scottish Greens candidate for Glasgow Patrick Harvie said: “Labour is showing complete contempt for Scotland and our democracy. Scotland’s future isn’t up to Wes Streeting or Keir Starmer, it is up to the people who live here. That’s basic democracy and something Labour finds impossible to accept.

“It is vital that we return a pro-independence majority on May 7, otherwise Labour, Tories and Reform will put up even more barriers and undermine our Parliament even more.

“The polls show that Scottish Labour couldn’t be further from power. That’s because people have seen what a Labour government looks like and they don’t like it. Even Anas Sarwar accepts that Starmer isn’t fit for office.

“Wes Streeting and his colleagues have kept many of the cruellest Tory policies, implemented even more racist anti-migrant restrictions and armed Israel’s genocide against Gaza. It’s no wonder that so many are demanding better.

“Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for an independent Scotland and for us to use those powers to build a fairer, greener and better future away from decades of Westminster failure.”