Swinney: Parly debate will give clear expression of Scots’ view on independence
The Scottish Government will lead a debate on the issue on Tuesday.
An independence debate in Holyrood is a chance for the “clear expression of opinion” on the issue, John Swinney has said.
The Government will lead a debate in Holyrood on Tuesday pushing for another independence referendum, with the vote expected to back the Government motion with the help of votes from the Scottish Greens.
However, Holyrood has backed a number of motions for another vote since the first referendum in 2014, none of which have yielded any movement from Westminster.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also been clear he has no plans to grant another poll on the issue, and has walked back from comments suggesting another could be held when the people of Scotland desire it.
Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, the First Minister denied the vote was purely performative.
“What’s important is that the voice of the people of Scotland is heard in the Scottish Parliament,” he said.
“The people elected the largest number of MSPs who support independence and the holding of a referendum in the history of devolution back in the elections in May.
“So, it’s vital that Scotland’s right to decide is set out to the Scottish Parliament and by the Scottish Parliament.
“Of course, what the Prime Minister said in the House of Commons a couple of weeks ago demonstrated that when there is a clear expression of opinion in Scotland demanding a referendum, that should take place, and that’s exactly what tomorrow is about.”
But new Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra, who was elected to the role on Saturday, said independence is not a priority of the people of Scotland.
At an event in Dundee, he told PA: “I’ve made it clear that I’m against another referendum. The Labour Party’s position long term has been that we don’t think another referendum is required, that certainly remains the case.
“This is not the priority of the people of Scotland. I understand people who are supportive of independence, but even those who (have been) telling me and are telling opinion pollsters that they don’t want to see another referendum at the moment.
“The priorities of the people in Scotland right now are dealing with a cost-of-living crisis.
“That means that people are worried about whether they can go on holiday with their kids, whether they can you know afford a pint at the end of the week, whether they can afford the messages and whether they can pay the heating bills.
“These things are what people are concerned about, but they’re also concerned about the state of our NHS, the state of our schools, and the performance that we’re seeing there. I want to see the Scottish Government focus on those issues first and foremost.”