Scottish Secretary urged to allow independence referendum if support grows
A recent report co-authored by former Scottish Labour leader Kez Dugdale and former Yes Scotland strategist Stephen Noon has suggested that the Scottish Secretary should be mandated to assess public opinion and permit a referendum if it appears that independence will secure majority support. The report, published by Glasgow University’s Centre for Public Policy, marks a significant milestone as it has been a decade since the independence referendum and 25 years since devolution in Scotland.
The proposal put forth in the report highlights the need for a mechanism similar to the one in place for Northern Ireland, where the Secretary of State is mandated to call a border poll if there is majority support for joining the Republic of Ireland. It argues that the Scotland Secretary, currently held by Labour’s Ian Murray, should have a legal duty to allow a referendum if it becomes evident that independence would garner majority support.
Criteria for Decision Making
According to the report, the criteria for deciding whether to permit a referendum would be a matter of agreement between the two governments, with various measures such as opinion polling and election results being used to gauge public sentiment. This approach aims to ensure that any decision to hold a referendum is based on sustained public opinion rather than just the outcome of elections.
Kez Dugdale emphasized the importance of having a codified mechanism for constituent nations to leave the UK if they so desire in order to maintain the union as a “voluntary union.” While acknowledging that political parties may not immediately adopt the proposal, she hopes that it will stimulate debate and advance the constitutional discussion.
Trigger for Another Referendum
Stephen Noon suggested that the trigger for another referendum should not solely rely on an SNP or pro-independence victory in elections but rather on sustained public opinion with a clear majority in favor of independence. This perspective reflects the need for a more nuanced approach to determining when a referendum should be held, taking into account the evolving views of the Scottish population.
In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to legislate for another referendum on Scottish independence. This decision underscores the importance of establishing clear guidelines and mechanisms for determining when and how a referendum on independence can take place.
Response from UK Government
In response to the report, a UK Government spokeswoman emphasized the importance of the relationship between the UK and Scottish Government, highlighting the focus on delivering outcomes that benefit the Scottish people and their communities. The emphasis on collaboration and cooperation between the two governments underscores the need for a constructive approach to addressing constitutional issues.
First Minister John Swinney recently expressed his belief that Scotland is closer to independence now than it was a decade ago, signaling the evolving dynamics of the independence debate. This sentiment reflects the shifting landscape of Scottish politics and the growing support for independence among certain segments of the population.
Overall, the proposal put forth in the report highlights the need for a structured and transparent process for determining when a referendum on independence should be held. By emphasizing the importance of sustained public opinion and clear criteria for decision-making, the report seeks to provide a framework for addressing the constitutional question in Scotland. As the debate on independence continues to evolve, it is crucial to have mechanisms in place that enable a fair and democratic approach to determining the future of Scotland within the UK.
