LBC: Scottish caller rages over independence referendum calls
The Scottish National Party (SNP) MP accused the Conservatives of fearing democracy during the Prime Minister’s questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday (June 29). It came after Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to hold a second vote on Scottish independence on October 19, 2023.
Blackford told the Commons: “The harsh reality is that the Tories may be afraid of democratic debate, but they have no right to block Scottish democracy.”
He added: “Scottish democracy will not be a prisoner of a prime minister in this place. So why is the British government afraid of democracy?
“Or is it just that they have run out of ideas to defend the failing Westminster system?”
Former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney condemns Blackford’s comments on Twitter.
Brexiteer Martin Daubney has criticized Ian Blackford’s remark about democracy during PMQs (Image: Getty/Twitter)
Nicola Sturgeon and Westminster leader Ian Blackford look through a giant Stop Brexit sign (Image: Getty)
He wrote: “‘Why is the British government afraid of democracy?’ say [Ian Blackford MP] who spent four years trying – and failing – to cancel Brexit, the largest democratic vote in the history of the British Parliament.”
Mr Blackford was an outspoken opponent of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, telling the Commons in October 2019 that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “extreme Brexit” would be a wrecking ball for the economy.
Earlier this month, the SNP’s Westminster leader clashed in the Commons with Mr Johnson, alleging that the government’s “disastrous” Brexit cut wages and pushed up inflation.
The prime minister shot back, accusing Mr Blackford of underestimating the results of Britain’s Brexit.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Image: Getty)
Prime Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon (Image: Getty)
Mr Johnson said: “I am afraid he is underestimating what this country is currently achieving, not only the investment in Moderna, but also a record venture capital investment in this country that has now overtaken China as a place for venture capital investment.
“The benefits of that are being felt across the UK.”
Mr Blackford has consistently opposed Brexit in Parliament, including by voting against the approval of the government-negotiated Withdrawal Agreement.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, who replaced Mr Johnson at today’s PMQs, told Mr Blackford that Scottish voters wanted their elected representatives to focus on the issues they face in their daily lives.
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How Scots voted in 2021 (Image: Express)
Mr Raab said: “Look, I have mentioned the problems Scotland faces: a huge tax burden imposed by the SNP; Scotland’s record in science and mathematics in the international PISA ranking has fallen below England and Wales, and the SNP has the worst drug death rate in Europe – the highest since registration began.
“I think the people of Scotland expect their governments in Holyrood and Westminster to work together to tackle the problems they face in their daily lives.”
His comments were echoed by Scotland’s minister Iain Stewart, who said on Wednesday that constitutional issues were so far down the priority list when the Scottish Parliament elections were held in 2021.
Mr Stewart said: “What the people of Scotland want is for their governments – be it a local, Scottish or UK government – to work together to tackle the issues that concern them and to respond to the big challenges we face as a country and the world.”
Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street number 10 (Image: Getty)
The clash between Mr Raab and Mr Blackford comes as economic experts warn that Scottish businesses’ recovery from the pandemic is beginning to fail.
Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute has lowered its forecast for 2023 economic growth, with the cost of living crisis taking its toll on businesses and consumers.
The think tank said it now expects 0.5 percent growth next year, rather than the 1.5 percent previously forecast, due to the impact of rising costs and the likelihood that they will last longer than previously forecast.
In its latest quarterly economic commentary report, the institute said shoppers are beginning to adjust their spending habits in response to the ongoing crisis, with more than half saying they are spending less on non-essential items.
Angela Mitchell, senior partner at Deloitte, who sponsors the institute’s economic commentary, said: “While Scotland’s economic recovery was well underway in the first quarter of 2022, the challenges facing businesses this year are likely to persist as as a result of the cost-life pressure caused by both rising inflation and interest rates.
“In this context, the risks to future economic growth are clearly visible. Weaker demand, higher costs and above all uncertainty inhibit investment and growth opportunities.”