Ayr, Troon and Prestwick MSP Siobhian Brown has criticised the refusal of a second Scottish independence referendum, arguing that Scotland’s constitutional future should be decided by its people.
In her latest column for the Ayr Advertiser, Brown said the independence debate had not disappeared since the 2014 referendum. Her comments follow a dispute between the Scottish and UK governments over whether another vote should take place.
Dispute over a second referendum
The column says Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared earlier this month to acknowledge that a referendum should be held if most people in Scotland supported one. Brown then says Scotland’s First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister, but was told that a second Scottish independence referendum remained off limits.
Brown described that response as disappointing and said it reflected what she called Westminster’s repeated approach to the issue. She also challenged the Prime Minister’s view that there is currently no consensus for another referendum.
Her column points to the SNP being the largest party in the Scottish Parliament again and having been in government for 19 years as part of the argument over Scotland’s political direction.
Brown’s case for a public vote
Brown argues that Scotland’s circumstances have changed significantly since the 2014 vote. She identifies Brexit, a succession of UK prime ministers, the global pandemic and wider changes to the political landscape across the United Kingdom as developments that have reshaped the debate.
She says people in Scotland have the right to determine their own future, and compares the position with other countries that have been given the opportunity to decide their constitutional arrangements.
The MSP says Scotland continues to be told that its democratic wishes are not enough to justify another vote. She also argues that the issue should be considered on a principle that applies regardless of whether someone supports independence or wants Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Brown concludes by encouraging readers who believe Scotland should be able to choose its future, rather than have that choice dictated by Westminster, to sign the Yes petition. The column provides a link to the petition at yes.scot/signup.