THE former head of the Better Together campaign has called for Boris Johnson to stay out of the debate on Scottish independence.
In an interview with the Daily Record, Blair McDougall agreed with Labour MP Ian Murray who said the Prime Minister poses a “greater threat to the UK than any nationalist does”.
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Ian Murray says confirmatory vote should follow indyref2
The comments follow Johnson's mid-pandemic visit to Scotland this week, and 20 consecutive polls showing support for independence is now the majority position.
The SNP has outlined its road map to independence if a majority of supportive MSPs are elected, which includes plans to hold another referendum even if Westminster refuses permission.
With Johnson’s personal ratings in Scotland consistently skewing negative, McDougall told the Prime Minister not to give the SNP a foil.
“I’d say to him ‘stop being the villain that the SNP want you to be. Step into the background and box clever’,” he said.
“You should recognise that this is a battle that will be won or lost in Scotland.”
Comparing former prime minister David Cameron’s role to the current No 10 incumbent, McDougall said: “[Cameron] boxed clever and kind of stepped back from it.
“There is a distinct lack of that artistry from Boris Johnson where every intervention is briefed as being the intervention that will save the Union.
“If David Cameron understood that he was not the man who was going to save the Union, and that it was going to be saved in Scotland, Boris Johnson certainly isn’t.”
READ MORE: Alister Jack complains BBC's 'Nicola Sturgeon Show' should be cut before election
McDougall also hit out at a lack of organisation on the No side. He argued the pro-independence side has done “nothing” to earn its lead.
"It’s entirely about a lack of organisation, leadership and argument on the No side.”
Asked about campaigning in Scotland on his visit this week, Johnson said: “Wild horses won’t keep me away.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel