The SNP's Westminster leader has called on presumptive prime minister Andy Burnham to avoid repeating the errors of his predecessors regarding Scottish independence. Dave Doogan spoke on Tuesday, emphasizing that Burnham must not deny democracy in Scotland.
Background on the Independence Referendum
Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is expected to be named Labour leader by the end of next week. However, reports from the weekend indicate he has already told Scottish Labour MPs that he would maintain the Westminster block on a second independence referendum. Under the Scotland Act, a Section 30 order from the UK Government is required to legally hold a referendum.
Dave Doogan's Statement
Speaking on Tuesday, Doogan said: “Andy Burnham must not repeat the mistakes of his predecessors. He would be displaying the worst of Westminster arrogance by denying democracy in Scotland.” He added that the SNP is ready to collaborate with Burnham to devolve more powers to the Scottish Parliament, including over energy and other key economic areas. This must include transferring powers to hold an independence referendum, so the Scottish people can determine their own future.
Doogan stressed that Scotland's future should not be decided in “secret chats and backroom meetings at Westminster.” He noted that three of the UK's devolved administrations have pro-independence parties in leading roles, and the UK Government cannot continue to ignore this.
Warning to Labour
Doogan warned: “Rather than disrespecting Scottish democracy, he should be going out of his way to prove he is committed to it. If the Labour Party isn’t going to learn the lessons of its biggest ever defeat, then most of the Scottish Labour MPs that Andy Burnham was meeting will lose their seats at the next election.”
Response from Scottish Labour
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie responded: “The SNP’s endless attempts to deflect from their own record in government are getting old. According to John Swinney’s own election campaign, the SNP has no mandate for a referendum. The SNP was elected on a promise to fix the NHS and make life more affordable – it should focus on that.”
A representative for Andy Burnham has been contacted for comment.
