Wes Streeting Rules Out Second Scottish Independence Referendum
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has definitively ruled out a second Scottish independence referendum following the upcoming election, declaring that "this country's had enough of chaos." In a Sunday interview with LBC, Mr Streeting was unequivocal when questioned about the prospect of another vote, stating: "We're not having one."
Justification Based on Recent Turmoil
Mr Streeting justified his stance by highlighting the nation's recent tumultuous history. "We had an independence referendum not long ago and honestly, let's just think about what the UK has been through," he said. He listed a series of crises, including:
- The financial crash
- Years of Tory austerity
- The catastrophe of Brexit
- The war in Ukraine
- The war in Iran
- The Covid pandemic
Mr Streeting concluded: "I think this country has had enough of chaos."
Sharp Criticism from Pro-Independence Parties
His comments have drawn sharp criticism from pro-independence parties, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) accusing Labour of disrespecting Scottish voters. SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown asserted: "The Labour Party is sticking two fingers up at Scottish voters, and unwittingly making the case for independence, by arrogantly seeking to deny democracy."
Mr Brown argued that senior Labour figures telling Scottish voters their views "don't matter" provides "all the more reason to show them where to go on May 7 by voting SNP." He stressed that Scotland's future would be decided by its people, not Westminster politicians, and an SNP majority on May 7 would "unlock the fresh start of independence."
He added: "Scotland is an energy-rich country with huge wealth, but under the Labour Party we're saddled with sky-high bills, Brexit and the constant chaos of Westminster control. Voting SNP on May 7 is the only way to secure a fresh start with independence and use our energy wealth to tackle the cost of living and protect our NHS."
Scottish Greens Echo Sentiment of Contempt
The Scottish Greens echoed this sentiment, describing Mr Streeting's remarks as showing "complete contempt" for Scotland. Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Greens candidate for Glasgow, stated: "Labour is showing complete contempt for Scotland and our democracy. Scotland's future isn't up to Wes Streeting or Keir Starmer, it is up to the people who live here. That's basic democracy and something Labour finds impossible to accept."
Mr Harvie urged voters to return a pro-independence majority on May 7, warning that otherwise, "Labour, Tories and Reform will put up even more barriers and undermine our Parliament even more." He criticised Labour's current policies, claiming they have "kept many of the cruellest Tory policies, implemented even more racist anti-migrant restrictions and armed Israel's genocide against Gaza."
He concluded: "Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for an independent Scotland and for us to use those powers to build a fairer, greener and better future away from decades of Westminster failure."
