Monica Lennon insists Scottish Labour should not stand in the way of a second Scottish independence referendum

Scottish Labour should not block a second independence referendum, according to leadership contender Monica Lennon, as she set out her position on a raft of constitutional issues facing the country.

Speaking to The Herald on Tuesday, the Central Scotland MSP said it was not her place to tell Scots “that they can’t have a referendum,” and called on her party to push for a Devo Max option on any future independence ballot.

She insisted that the public should not face a “binary choice between someone’s version of independence, and someone’s version of the Union.”

“Scottish Labour is the party of devolution,” Ms Lennon said. “That’s what I believe in. I understand why people would want Devo Max to be on the ballot.”

Devo Max, or full fiscal autonomy, would see Holyrood control all powers in Scotland, with the exception of UK-wide ones like defence.

But the 40-year-old added that she would not “be out there fighting for a referendum” and said the current pandemic and economic crisis meant now was not the right time for IndyRef2.

“I don’t believe in independence. It’s not my policy. That policy belongs to others.

“But I also recognise that there are people in Scotland who strongly want independence, or are curious about it, or they’re frustrated by the status quo.

Ms Lennon also flatly refused an offer from Scottish Conservative leader, Douglas Ross, for the two opposition parties to form a “unionist coalition” to stop the SNP. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

“I want to listen to all of those people. I also want to respect the people who very strongly don’t want independence and want to remain in the Union.

“But the Union needs to be reformed.”

Ms Lennon also flatly refused an offer from Scottish Conservative leader, Douglas Ross, for the two opposition parties to form a “unionist coalition” to stop the SNP.

Mr Ross challenged both Ms Lennon and her leadership rival, Anas Sarwar MSP, to commit to the idea in a post of social media.

Ms Lennon will face off with Anas Sarwar to become the leader of Scottish Labour after nominations closed on Tuesday. (Photo by Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images)

“If it means stopping the SNP and their push for indyref2,” he wrote, “I would be part of a unionist coalition.

“The last Scottish Labour leader wouldn’t work with us.”

Ms Lennon joked that the offer was “very flattering” but added, “it’s a red card from me.”

“See you on the campaign trail where we’ll be fighting for radical social and economic change, not a political agenda that looks after the wealthy few.”

Mr Sarwar also refused.

Commenting on Sir Keir Starmer’s recent launch of a constitutional convention for Scotland, Ms Lennon said: “These are conversations that are happening across the UK and the UK Labour party is at the centre of that.

“But I also believe that if people want a referendum and we get to that stage then Scottish Labour can’t sit on the sidelines of that.

“We have to absolutely influence that debate and what that referendum would look like.

“I think there is a moment here for Scottish Labour to reconnect.

“There are voters out there who want to give us a hearing... saying, Show us what you’re about, tell us your story, what are you going to do?

“As somebody who is part of the new generation, somebody who’s rolled up my sleeves and got results for people in parliament, I don’t want to just be there handing out sticking plasters.”

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