SNP civil war: Nationalists turn on Sturgeon over 2021 indy vote dream – ‘Won’t happen!’
Scotland: IndyRef2 would be an ‘absolute disaster’ says MSP
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The SNP have released an 11-point “roadmap” to an independence referendum – setting out that a ballot could take place if May’s Holyrood elections result in a pro-independence majority, even if Westminster refuses to grant a Section 30 order. The party plans to force the UK Government into a legal challenge, if a Section 30 order is not granted.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to grant a second independence referendum with UK ministers telling the Express this week that Nicola Sturgeon should be focused on COVID-19 recovery.
East Lothian MP Kenny MacAskill today agreed and said there is no chance Boris would “blink”.
Mr MacAskill said: “If the SNP leadership think this confirms that Boris’ll blink, they’re deluding themselves.
“Whilst a narrowing in the polls and even a modest lead for No may make him less opposed, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. Why would he concede?”
The former Scottish Justice Secretary also took aim at the upcoming draft referendum bill which was promised in the 2020/21 legislative programme First Minister Nicola Sturgeon set out in September.
The Express has learnt the bill has been completed and is awaiting sign off by Scottish Government officials.
The MP, who is often critical of the Nationalist leadership claimed governments don’t call elections or even referendums “unless they absolutely have to or are pretty sure they’ll win.”
The Nationalist MP continued: “At the moment things are too close to call.”
Mr MacAskill, who is a Yes supporter, said an independence referendum would not take place this year.
Writing in the Scotsman, he made clear it would most likely take place on “Johnson’s terms and his timing.”
Meanwhile, former SNP adviser Alex Bell took aim at the party’s decision to put “IndyRef2” on the ballot paper for the upcoming Scottish elections.
Mr Bell, who was Alex Salmond’s head of policy, said: “They [the SNP] have convinced everyone that Covid is a sideshow and May 2021 is all about their core policy.
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“Hence the stunt to put ‘SNP – Indyref2’ on the ballot paper.
“It’s just another trick to keep the focus on the constitution and away from COVID.
“In the privacy of the polling booth, there will be a prompt — this is a Nat vote, about Nat matters.”
Mr Bell also stressed the 2021 Holyrood election should be about Coronavirus recovery and not the constitution.
Mr Bell concluded: “The May elections to Holyrood are then, all about Covid recovery.
“Except, that’s not what you hear. Instead, politicians of all parties are discussing Indyref2.”
The SNP have been approached for comment.
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