Nicola Sturgeon, his successor as SNP leader and First Minister, has pledged to explore all options to keep Scotland in the European Union but said another independence referendum remains “highly likely” if a middle way can not be found.
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She added: “The fact is that every poll on the issue since June 23 has shown support for independence ahead of where it was in September 2014 – and around half have shown an outright majority for independence – and that is before the real impact of Brexit has been felt”.
Commenting to CommonSpace on receiving the endorsement, Angus Robertson MP, leader of the SNP in westminster and candidate to be depute leader of the SNP said: “To have the backing of such an important voice in the Independence debate is really important”.
The two men clashed as the first signs of division started to emerge within the SNP over when to call a referendum following the Brexit vote, which resulted in a narrow victory for the Leave side despite 62 per cent of Scots backing Remain.
Downing Street criticised the First Minister’s argument that independence “transcends” issues such as Scotland’s national wealth, the country’s £15 billion annual deficit and the collapse in the oil industry.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: “The economic case for independence two years ago was a tissue of lies”.
“Nicola Sturgeon has the advantage, she knows her destination”.
She said: “Instead of trying to explain what would happen to our economy and how we fund our public services under independence, the new mantra is that none of these things matter anymore and people should just shut up about them and wrap themselves in a flag instead”.
“The detail of the case for independence can’t be dismissed”.
SNP business convener Derek Mackay said: “Two years on from the independence referendum it seems the Tories are more determined than ever to push Scotland towards an independent future. What we’re talking about are people’s lives, livelihoods and the money they have in their pocket”.
“Only 48 per cent?”
The Prime Minister’s intervention came as Alistair Darling, who is now Lord Darling of Roulanish, questioned the logic of claims from Alex that a second independence referendum will be called unless Scotland gets access to the European Union single market as part of the Brexit deal.
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A spokesman said: “In 2014 Greens played a key role in the independence referendum”.
