Lamont: Scots are capable of making up their own minds

Labour leadership hopeful Johann Lamont has called on the SNP to get on with holding its independence referendum – but accepts that Scots may vote to quit the union.

Ms Lamont, the current deputy leader, admitted the party “lost Scotland” at its landslide election defeat in May and pledged to make Labour “fit for purpose” as she launched her campaign in Stirling.

On the referendum, Ms Lamont said: “The question should be put soon without rigging, a referendum run independently which addresses the choice of futures for Scotland – to remain in the United Kingdom or to leave.”

But, should the vote go against remaining in the union, she will spearhead a Labour drive to continue tackling inequalities in the new Scotland. “We don’t dismiss the fact that people are capable of making up their own mind,” she added. “It will be important the arguments are put, but we have to recognise that that argument might not win the day.”