SNP and Greens agree to hold Scottish independence referendum in first half of Holyrood term - Daily Record

The SNP and the Scottish Greens have agreed to hold an independence referendum within the first half of the five-year parliamentary term.

It comes as Nicola Sturgeon announced today the SNP and Greens will co-operate at Holyrood on key areas like the environment and economic development.

Both parties have pledged to hold a referendum after the covid pandemic has passed - but no date has been set.

The agreement seals a majority for independence in the Holyrood chamber, however the UK Government is opposed to granting a referendum.

The Scottish Cabinet agreed the deal earlier today, while Green party members will get to vote on the agreement on August 28.

Announcing the agreement, the First Minister said: "The agreement delivers bold policy action on pressing issues.

"A commitment to more affordable housing, a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality. Steps to accelerate our transition to net zero - more support for active travel, transformation of home energy and a ten year transition fund for the North East of Scotland. A focus on green jobs and fair work - and a sustainable recovery from COVID.

"We also reaffirm in this Agreement our shared commitment to securing independence for Scotland, and to giving people the right to choose our country’s future through a referendum."

A document released by the Scottish Government states: "Secure a referendum on Scottish independence after the Covid crisis.

"This would be within the current parliamentary session on a specific date to be determined by the Scottish Parliament.

"If the Covid crisis has passed, our intention is for the referendum to be within the first half of the five-year parliamentary session.

"Work together to make the case that Scotland should be an independent country within the European Union, recognising each party’s right and duty to set out its own arguments for, and visions of, independence."

Reaction to deal

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “We are facing many years of recovery following the Covid pandemic.

"For the SNP and Greens to re-open old arguments and seek to divide our people would be an astonishing dereliction of duty at such a vital time.

"As part of the UK we can bring communities together and pool and share resources across the country, working to build a successful recovery that leaves nobody behind.

"That should be the priority for the new government."

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2021-08-20 13:47:12Z
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