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Nicola Sturgeon challenges Theresa May to Scottish independence debate after PM blocks referendum | Nicola Sturgeon challenges Theresa May to Scottish independence debate after PM blocks referendum |
(7 days later) | |
Nicola Sturgeon has challenged Theresa May to a debate about a second Scottish independence referendum, after No.10 vowed to block her request. | Nicola Sturgeon has challenged Theresa May to a debate about a second Scottish independence referendum, after No.10 vowed to block her request. |
Asked if a “face-to-face debate” would be preferable to the two leaders staging press conferences and TV interviews, the First Minister replied: “I'd be up for it.” | Asked if a “face-to-face debate” would be preferable to the two leaders staging press conferences and TV interviews, the First Minister replied: “I'd be up for it.” |
The call came as Downing Street removed any doubt that the Prime Minister was ruling out a referendum before Brexit is completed, probably in early 2019. | The call came as Downing Street removed any doubt that the Prime Minister was ruling out a referendum before Brexit is completed, probably in early 2019. |
“In that timeframe, as put forward by the First Minister, we will not agree to a referendum,” Ms May’s official spokesman said. | |
Asked about post-2019, he added: “We are not getting into future timeframes. We are responding to a specific request from the First Minister.” | |
Ms Sturgeon’s timeframe is for the referendum to be held between autumn 2018 and spring 2019 – after “the terms of Brexit are known”, but before withdrawal is completed. | |
The spokesman set out Ms May’s reason to make clear she will block the Section 30 request, which will be confirmed by the Scottish Parliament in a vote next Wednesday. | The spokesman set out Ms May’s reason to make clear she will block the Section 30 request, which will be confirmed by the Scottish Parliament in a vote next Wednesday. |
“We hope they might step back from next week’s vote now we’ve made our position clear,” he explained. | “We hope they might step back from next week’s vote now we’ve made our position clear,” he explained. |
Earlier, Scottish Secretary David Mundell, went further, insisting the UK Government will not enter into any discussions with Edinburgh about holding a second referendum. | Earlier, Scottish Secretary David Mundell, went further, insisting the UK Government will not enter into any discussions with Edinburgh about holding a second referendum. |
Speaking at a press conference, he said: “The proposal brought forward is not fair, people will not be able to make an informed choice. Neither is there public or political support for such a referendum. | Speaking at a press conference, he said: “The proposal brought forward is not fair, people will not be able to make an informed choice. Neither is there public or political support for such a referendum. |
“Therefore we will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a Section 30 agreement and any request at this time will be declined.” | “Therefore we will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a Section 30 agreement and any request at this time will be declined.” |
In her TV interview, Ms May said “now is not the time” for the referendum, because the country was fully engaged in the crucial task of winning the best Brexit deal. | In her TV interview, Ms May said “now is not the time” for the referendum, because the country was fully engaged in the crucial task of winning the best Brexit deal. |
"We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK. As I say that's my job as Prime Minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP: now is not the time,” she told ITV. | |
It was reported that the Conservatives had been preparing for this moment for three months, by testing the “no, not now” message with focus groups – and were confident it would work. | It was reported that the Conservatives had been preparing for this moment for three months, by testing the “no, not now” message with focus groups – and were confident it would work. |
But Ms Sturgeon hit back immediately, saying: “It is for the Scottish parliament – not Downing Street – to determine the timing of a referendum and the decision of the Scottish parliament must be respected. | But Ms Sturgeon hit back immediately, saying: “It is for the Scottish parliament – not Downing Street – to determine the timing of a referendum and the decision of the Scottish parliament must be respected. |
“Any bid by the UK Government to block the people of Scotland from making a choice will be untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable.” | “Any bid by the UK Government to block the people of Scotland from making a choice will be untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable.” |
The Scottish Greens confirmed they would give the SNP the majority they need at Holyrood to approve the referendum call, by also criticising Ms May. | The Scottish Greens confirmed they would give the SNP the majority they need at Holyrood to approve the referendum call, by also criticising Ms May. |
Ross Greer, the party’s external affairs spokesman, said: “Scotland deserves to choose between the isolated, angry Brexit Britain planned by the Tories and putting our future in our own hands with independence. | Ross Greer, the party’s external affairs spokesman, said: “Scotland deserves to choose between the isolated, angry Brexit Britain planned by the Tories and putting our future in our own hands with independence. |
“If a Tory Westminster government that Scotland did not elect seriously think they can block our right to choose – and that they can veto a decision of our elected parliament – they will only increase support for independence.” |
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