Nicola Sturgeon: SNP facing ‘biggest row’ in Scottish politics
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The embattled SNP First Minister is resisting calls to resign after an investigation found that she had misled the Scottish Parliament over her knowledge of sexual offence allegations against Alex Salmond. A poll for the think tank Onward found support for independence has now dropped six points, from 56 percent to just 50 percent. Mr Salmond’s supporters have accused Ms Sturgeon of lying. When she appeared before the investigation committee earlier this month, she was mocked for saying that she did not remember events.
The survey, carried out by consultancy firm Hanbury Strategy, was conducted over three months and is one of the most comprehensive opinion polls of the independence question in Scotland.
The revelations come as MPs in Westminster will tomorrow debate a petition calling on the Government not to allow another Scottish referendum.
The petition is on the back of threats by the SNP to have an illegal referendum in Scotland if the UK Parliament does not grant permission.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland benefit greatly from being part of a strong United Kingdom, built on deep historic bonds, family ties and shared common values.
“Emerging from the global pandemic, all that should matter is working together to build a better Scotland, not least for our young people who, I am determined, must not become Covid’s lost generation.”
The petition makes the case against a rerun of the 2014 vote, stating: “The SNP government appears solely intent on getting independence at any cost. The independence referendum was called a ‘once in a generation’ vote – so let it be.”
Welsh Labour MP Chris Evans will lead tomorrow’s debate and will argue that a vote on breaking up the UK is the “last thing people need”.
He said “constitutional dreams” should be left for another day because the UK faces the challenge of restoring the economy in the wake of the pandemic.
Mr Evans said: “We are facing an economic crisis we’ve not faced in living memory. We have to rebuild the country, plus we also have to address the effects of Brexit.
“These are all huge issues. These should be our focus.”
Meanwhile, Scotland’s former finance secretary has resigned from the SNP after he was suspended over messages he reportedly sent to a teenage boy.
Derek Mackay quit as finance secretary last year following reports he sent hundreds of messages to a 16-year-old boy on social media.
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