Public opposition to a second independence referendum in the wake of Brexit continues to grow. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon might still find it
hard to accept Scotland decisively rejected independence, but having voted 55:45 to remain part of the United Kingdom in 2014, a Herald poll only a few weeks ago put support for separation down to 40 percent.
The poll showed that only 34 per cent supported another independence referendum in 2017, compared to 55 per cent against, so perhaps it’s not surprising the First Minister quickly ruled out something so obviously unpopular, but only for this year.
Then a Sunday Times poll put support for a second independence referendum before the UK leaves the EU at only 27 per cent. Prime Minister Theresa May has produced a pragmatic and practical approach to the realities of the vote to leave the EU, and a sensible platform from which to launch what will need to be tough negotiations. She has also spelt out she will continue to listen to the Scottish Government.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson was spot on when she said the Prime Minster “will prioritise the protection of our own union of nations, respecting the vote that we took in Scotland to remain part of the UK. Nicola Sturgeon should now rule a second referendum out and instead work to get the best deal out of Brexit for all of us across the UK.”
But the First Minister still insists a second referendum is now “all but inevitable”, so the danger of another vote and all the uncertainty it will bring is real and so too is the need to oppose it. As a life-long Nationalist it is unrealistic to expect Ms Sturgeon to change her views and no-one should doubt her determination to drag Scotland out of the UK despite the fact the UK single market is worth over four times more to Scotland than the EU.
John McLellan commented on the issue that:
“The only way to avoid a second independence referendum is for the people of Scotland to show how unpopular it would be.”
If you’ve not signed the “Say No to a second referendum” petition, now’s the time to make your voice heard, not just for this year, but for this generation. Like Ms Sturgeon promised.
You can sign our petition by clicking here.