'A complete waste of time': SNP publishes new Scottish independence referendum bill
First Minister John Swinney says ‘the world has fundamentally changed’ since the last independence referendum in 2014.
The SNP’s new independence referendum bill has been branded “a pointless exercise” and “a complete waste of time”.
In publishing the draft bill, First Minister John Swinney said no-one will make better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live in Scotland.
It proposes the question that should be asked is: “Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.”
The bill does not specify a date for such a referendum to be held, saying it will be “decided by the Scottish Parliament”.
It also proposes allowing all registered voters over the age of 16 and qualifying foreign nationals to vote.
Since the 2014 referendum, successive UK governments have opposed moves by the SNP for a second vote, and Downing Street recently said a second independence referendum was “off limits”.
In 2022, the UK Supreme Court also ruled that any further vote would need the agreement of the UK Government, meaning this new bill is unlikely to result in a vote.
The Scotsman has asked the Scottish Government how much this draft bill is expected to cost taxpayers, but was unable to get an answer.
Mr Swinney said: “The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.
“While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to invest in their public services – often without a fraction of the abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.
“In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
“This draft bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date.
“It provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and parliament and transfer the necessary powers.
“Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK Government delivered.”
The First Minister added: “I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks.
“Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”
The publication of this new independence bill has been derided by opposition parties in Holyrood.
The Scottish Lib Dems simply put out a statement from David Green MSP, the party’s public service reform spokesman, which said: “Yawn.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Hard-working Scots suffering from sky-high SNP taxes and declining public services will despair at this desperate distraction from John Swinney.
“Our message to Swinney is clear - abandon this tedious obsession and get on with the day job.
“The SNP has brought the NHS to its knees and caused the economy to flatline, resulting in misery for families across the country.
“Swinney should put all his energy into fixing the stagnant economy and explaining how he intends to plug his looming £5 billion black hole in the public finances.”
Alistair Cameron, chair of Scotland in Union, added: “This is a pointless exercise, and a complete waste of time and public resources.
“John Swinney knows the people of Scotland have no interest in revisiting the independence question.
“He also knows fine well the UK Government will rightly reject his selfish and obsessive demands.
“Scots have made it clear they want a government which focuses on the things that matter most, such as health, education and jobs.”
Dame Jackie Baillie MSP, acting leader of Scottish Labour, said: “This is just the same, reheated gimmick from a tired SNP government that has nothing to offer the people of Scotland.
“Their focus could be on taking action to reduce NHS waiting lists, helping people with the cost-of-living, improving our transport infrastructure, supporting teachers and young people, backing our police with the resources they need, tackling the scandalous number of drug and alcohol deaths, ending the scourge of rough sleeping, or ending child poverty.
"Instead, they have chosen to revert to default by pushing their narrative of grievance and division, putting party before country once again.
"After five years in which we saw three first ministers and very little achieved, you would think the SNP would want to deliver for the people of Scotland.
"But all they have to offer is a dismal tribute act to Nicola Sturgeon by her old ally John Swinney, playing the same old hits we've heard before.
"The people of Scotland deserve far better than this failing SNP government that is more interested in empty gestures and grandstanding than it is in improving the lives of people across the country."
It was however welcomed by the Scottish Greens, who are now calling on Westminster to respect the will of the Scottish people.
Party co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “Scotland can have a fairer, greener and better future as a normal independent country.
“There is a growing demand for it - the people of Scotland made that clear when they voted the largest group of pro-independence MSPs only four months ago.
“It is an anti-democratic outrage that the Tories and Labour have lined-up to cast a veto against our parliament. Any union of countries should have clear mechanisms through which members can leave, but Labour has refused to even spell out what it thinks would be legitimate.
“Scotland can do so much better than a broken Westminster system, a Tory Brexit that has cost us jobs and raised prices, and a so-called Labour government that armed Israel’s genocide against the people of Palestine.”
She said this will be a “major test” of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s promise to “end a broken and centralised Westminster system”.
Ms Mackay added: “Any attempt to halt our right to choose our own future will not only show contempt for our parliament but also for our democracy.”
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