We should vote for independence while we are still in the EU

Let’s take a look at the facts: Theresa May brought forward “the only deal” and presented it to Parliament. They rejected it by the biggest majority ever. Demonstrating a lack of democracy verging on dictatorship, she brought it back a second time and again it was defeated; this time by the fourth-largest majority ever. Somehow, despite it being a complete refusal to recognise the wishes of parliament, she brought it back a third time – only to have it rejected again.

Then we went through the rigmarole of indicative votes, which actually only indicated the severe splits in all the parties except the SNP. Despite behaving like spoilt children, our “representatives” almost got two of the compromise suggestions through. They were so close that any reasonable group of people would have put those two issues up for further deliberation and discussion. They could then have made a straight choice between the two. But they didn’t. Despite the fact that both of them were much closer to being approved than May’s deal had been, the talk was that her deal would be brought back for a fourth vote. How undemocratic is that? Throughout this process every suggestion made by Scotland was ignored or jeered at.

Theresa’s deal didn’t come back, thanks to John Bercow. Instead we got an offer of cross-party “negotiation” from Theresa May. However, Nicola Sturgeon says the PM was not prepared to listen to any suggestions Nicola put forward, and spent her time trying to convince Nicola that her failed deal was really the best deal we could get. Similarly, Jeremy Corbyn has stated that Theresa May was not prepared to move on any of her “red lines” when he spoke to her. So, it seems Theresa May is not really prepared to give concessions. She is actually seeking concessions from others to get her deal back on the table. We seem to be going round in circles.

In the meantime, several independent polls have indicated that:

1. More than 60% of Scots believe that Scotland will become independent soon;

2. 62% of Scots would prefer independence to Theresa May’s deal; and

3. 63% of Scots would prefer independence to a “no deal”.

Does that not indicate that now IS the time for a referendum?

Theresa May has again gone back to the EU for a further extension, to allow her time to get her deal ratified by parliament. In other words, the can is going to be kicked further down the road until in October we will once again be given the choice that we have now – namely, Theresa May’s three-times-rejected deal or a “no deal” that has also been ruled out by Parliament.

As far as I can see, that’s it settled! There’s nothing further to discuss. We can now see exactly what our choices will be. Either we can be dragged out of the EU against our will with Theresa’s deal or with a no deal, and all of the financial damage and hardship either of them will cause; or we can choose independence, and remain in the EU and enjoy all the benefits and protections we enjoy at the moment.

Surely it would be better to make that choice while we are still EU members, albeit as part of the UK, than to make it after we are dragged out?

I believe that under the Scotland Act, the Scottish Parliament can hold “advisory referenda” without asking Westminster for permission. So, let’s have one such referendum on the above choices before October, so that moves to exclude Scotland from Brexit can then be formalised, followed by a UDI or a request for a “confirmatory” referendum on independence. There’s enough time between now and then to call for a referendum, and to get out round the doors and persuade people. Many groups are already getting out and speaking to people. Let’s start seeing an “on-street revival” of the enthusiasm that surrounded the 2014 event. Only this time let’s make sure we get the correct result.

Come on, First Minister! We don’t want another UPdate. We want a REFERENDUM date.

Charlie Kerr
Glenrothes