THE chances of holding a second independence referendum this year are “simply none” due to the coronavirus outbreak, one of those campaigning for a “Plan B” has said.
Chris McEleny, the leader of the SNP group on Inverclyde Council, said it would “simply not be wise” to have another referendum campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The councillor, together with SNP MP Angus MacNeil, has been pushing for the party to adopt a “plan B” – an alternative way of winning independence if Westminster continues to block the Scottish Government’s demands for another vote.
They had hoped the issue would be debated at the SNP conference in June, but with this now postponed indefinitely due to the virus the pair have put their proposals on hold.
READ MORE: Coronavirus RECAP: Nicola Sturgeon warns of 'rapid acceleration' of disease
McEleny said: “Postponing the SNP’s June policymaking conference is the right decision given the current coronavirus crisis, as it is fundamental that everyone’s key priority right now must be listening to the up-to-date advice issued and supporting measures to address the crisis.
“However, there are still other major issues facing the SNP and Scotland which won’t go away.
“These must be addressed with democratic debate when the crisis is over, and at that point we will seek to go back out across the country to speak to SNP members, and the wider independence movement, about why it’s essential we have an independence plan B to counter the anti-democratic position of Boris Johnson and his UK Government.”
He added: “The coronavirus pandemic could carry on well into summer. If the peak projection is June, then we might only be on the other side of the curve well into the second half of the year – and that’s if management of the pandemic goes as hoped.
“We shouldn’t then diminish ourselves by pretending this doesn’t change business as usual and that there is still the prospect of a referendum this year – it does, and there isn’t. The chances of a referendum being agreed to by Boris Johnson were already slim to none, they are now simply none.”
McEleny said: “Although there’s nothing to stop the powers over holding a consented referendum still being devolved to the Scottish Parliament, a referendum on Scottish independence deserves a level of debate that reaches every doorstep in Scotland.
“That would simply not be wise, or possible, during a pandemic of this nature.”
In this situation, he said the SNP must “focus on providing the leadership the country needs during this crisis”.
READ MORE: READ: An updated list of charges Alex Salmond faces in court
He added: “At our autumn conference, hopefully after we have got past this crisis, we can have a real debate on how we will take forward the case for independence.”
At the weekend, Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, said the party’s leadership is still fully committed to seeking a second independence referendum this year but recognised the “absolute priority” at present has to be the protection of Scotland from the coronavirus outbreak.
Asked if the public health situation meant his party would have to abandon its desire to hold a second vote on Scotland’s future in 2020, Blackford told The Herald on Sunday: “First and foremost the Government in Edinburgh and the First Minister are showing real leadership, as others have, but let’s recognise this for what it is: a public health emergency.
“I want to see an independence referendum this year, of course I do. But we do recognise, of course, that in the next few weeks – we don’t know how long this is going to go on for – life is going to change.”
Pointing to the postponement of the May local elections in England to 2021 and the cancellation of party conferences, he added: “We will continue to do the work to build the case for independence, yes. But we have an enormous responsibility. There is a particular sharp focus on dealing with the circumstances in front of us. We recognise the leadership we need to show to people in Scotland. The security and wellbeing of all our constituents is the absolute priority.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel