Andy Burnham 'can't pick and choose when democracy applies', says Nicola Sturgeon
The former first minister said there was a “glaring contradiction” that the Prime Minister was re-opening the Brexit debate, but would not allow another Scottish independence referendum.
Andy Burnham “can’t pick and choose when democracy applies”, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The former first minister said there was a “glaring contradiction” that the Prime Minister was re-opening the Brexit debate, but would not allow another Scottish independence referendum.
She also said it was “right that they’re opening up the Brexit question again” and she urged Mr Burnham to “nail his colours to the mast of rejoing the EU”.
The PM said in his speech at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool last week that Brexit had gone badly and that he wanted to present options to the public for a closer relationship with Europe.
Speaking after Labour Justice Secretary Alex Norris’ interview, Ms Sturgeon told Sky News: “I thought that was a masterclass in having an interview where you say pretty much nothing that anybody can remember a few minutes from now.
“A competent calm interview until he got onto this glaring contradiction in Labour's position between Brexit and Scottish independence.
“I think it's right that they're opening up the Brexit question again, and I hope Andy Burnham nails his colours to the mast of rejoining the EU.
“But you can't pick and choose when democracy applies. People in a democracy do have the right to change their mind, and I hope people change their minds on Brexit.
“But if you believe that, you cannot say to the people of Scotland that you never, ever again have the chance to consider the independence question, particularly when parties supporting independence and another referendum keep winning elections in Scotland.
“So there's a bit of a contradiction there that I'm sure will play out.”
Mr Norris had rejected suggestions that reopening the Brexit debate could pave the way for another Scottish independence referendum.
He said Scottish independence is “different to the question of of the union”.
Asked if it meant the Scottish independence question could also be revisited, Mr Norris said: “I wouldn’t link the two things.
“One of those questions is about our forward-looking engagement with our European partners to get the best for the country.
“That’s different to the question of of the union.
“You’ve seen again what the Prime Minister said about that, we believe in the union and that we will safeguard it.
“But I wouldn’t link the two particularly.”
He added: “I recall it being said that that was a generational debate on that day, and you know the answer was the answer.”
The Prime Minister promised in his first Labour Party conference speech in Liverpool on Tuesday to set out options on the country’s ties to Brussels around the time of a UK-EU summit later this year.
He later acknowledged this could include an option to go “all the way” and rejoin the bloc if that is what public opinion favoured.
Mr Burnham did not rule out putting a pledge to rejoin in Labour’s next election manifesto.
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