‘They only need to win once!’ SNP could lose IndyRef2 but STILL push for IndyRef3

Scottish people ‘fed up’ with talk of independence says Mundell

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Scotland voted by a clear margin of 55 percent to 45 percent against leaving the UK during the historic referendum in 2014. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted that result was a “once in a generation” event, ruling out any chance of a second independence referendum taking place in the near future. Despite this, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been attempting to drive support for IndyRef2 – despite recent polls suggesting the pendulum has swung away from the “Yes” vote.

The SNP leader has also dismissed the referendum rejections from Mr Johnson, hinting she is prepared to clash head-on with the UK Government to push through a second vote.

But Scottish Unionists are now increasingly fearful that even if the SNP suffer defeat in an independence referendum, they will continue to push until they are eventually successful.

Scottish Conservatives Shadow Economy Secretary Maurice Golden fears the SNP would just “regurgitate the same old arguments” if they suffered IndyRef2 defeat, warning that while they only need to win once, “the Unionists have to win every single time”.

He told Express.co.uk: “The UK Government has been categorically clear in that they will not consent to a second independence referendum.

“If Nicola Sturgeon were to hold a ‘wildcat’ illegal referendum, that would be extremely poor.

“The SNP are relentless in their pursuit of independence.

“If an IndyRef2 went ahead and they didn’t win, they would just regurgitate all the old arguments and go for another referendum.

Mr Golden added: “The worry in that scenario is the SNP only need to win once, but the Unionists have to win every single time.

“There is no point going down that path and going for an IndyRef2 when we are facing one of the biggest economic and health crisis’ of our time.”

Recent polls suggest the SNP has been losing support for Scottish independence – particularly since their general election win in May.

Late last month, a major survey revealed 47 percent of the 1,000 people questioned were opposed to breaking away from the UK.

Just 44 percent were in support of independence, with the remaining nine percent undecided.

Conducted by Redfield and Wilton Strategies on behalf of Politico, the poll showed 43 percent agree Scotland should only hold a second referendum if the UK Government agrees to it, while 38 percent disagreed.

Excluding those who don’t know or don’t hold an opinion either way, a majority of 53 percent believed it should be up to Westminster.

Mr Golden has now demanded Ms Sturgeon “listen to the polls and listen to the people of Scotland” by abandoning her independence plan and instead focusing on Scotland’s recovery from the Covid pandemic.

He said: “In her own words, Nicola Sturgeon said ‘democracy must and will prevail’.

“I wholeheartedly agree with that and that’s why we had the once on a generation referendum in 2014.

“Ultimately, that is democracy and that is what Nicola Sturgeon should be listening to.

“It is encouraging to see increased support for the Union and prioritising Scotland’s needs are coming to the fore.

“What we want Nicola Sturgeon to do is to listen to the polls and listen to the people of Scotland who don’t want another independence referendum at a time when recovery from the pandemic must be the top priority.”

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