Nicola Sturgeon is blasted by rivals for her ‘divisive’ plans for new Scottish independence vote that would ‘reopen old wounds’ in Scottish election TV debate – while all ignore Alex Salmond’s new Alba party
- First Minister accused of trying to ‘reopen old wounds’ with independence push
- Sturgeon maintained her pledge to hold a fresh vote if her party wins election
- But Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem leaders slammed her plans as ‘divisive’
Nicola Sturgeon was tonight blasted by her political rivals over plans to pull Scotland out of the United Kingdom, as she stood firm on her pledge for a fresh independence vote.
The First Minister was accused of attempting to ‘reopen old wounds’ by opposition leaders in a lively television debate ahead of next month’s Scottish election.
The SNP leader has pledged to hold a new independence referendum if her party wins the election – with or without the consent of the UK parliament.
But the leaders of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour tonight took aim at her plans, branding them as ‘divisive’.
Nicola Sturgeon was tonight blasted by her political rivals over plans to pull Scotland out of the United Kingdom, as she stood firm on her pledge for a fresh independence vote
The First Minister was accused of attempting to ‘reopen old wounds’ by opposition leaders in a lively television debate ahead of next month’s Scottish election.
All three of the leaders instead insisted the focus should remain on the country’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.
More than 7,000 people in Scotland have died of the virus, while more than 220,000 cases have been recorded.
However the nationalist leader hit back at the suggestions, as she urged Scots to back its independence bid with their votes.
All three of the leaders instead insisted the focus should remain on the country’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic
Taking a swipe at Westminster politicians, she said she wanted the country to build back ‘in its own image’, rather than ‘that of Boris Johnson and his band of Brexiteers’.
The Green party meanwhile backed Sturgeon’s referendum calls – as it stood firm on its desires to return Scotland to the EU.
However there was no mention from the leaders of Alex Salmond – whose Alba party will contest Hollyrood seats at the upcoming election.