SNP Government urged to stop ‘pushing independence’

The SNP Government has been urged to "stop pushing independence" after Jeane Freeman issued a call for unity among Nationalists campaigning for a repeat of the 2014 referendum.

Douglas Ross has called on the SNP to stop pushing independence

Tory leader Douglas Ross claimed the Health Secretary should be “ashamed” of the move as Covid cases are rising through Scotland.

It comes after Nicola Sturgeon this week pledged to publish a bill setting out the "terms and timing" of a fresh referendum on independence ahead of next year's Holyrood election.

Mr Ross said: “We all should focus on what’s most important, and that’s saving lives and livelihoods by suppressing the virus and helping people back to work.

“It’s utterly thoughtless of the health secretary to be pushing her separation strategy when families are still waiting for answers about how their loved ones died in care homes. She should be ashamed of where her priorities lie.

“Jeane Freeman and the SNP cannot risk becoming distracted. Their full focus today should be on stopping Covid cases in Glasgow rising further.

“The First Minister and her cabinet need to stop pushing independence and get back to rebuilding Scotland stronger on the other side of this crisis.”

It came after Ms Freeman warned in the National newspaper today that persuading wavering Scots to back independence could be jeopardised by infighting among the nationalist movement.

"We won’t convince them if we look like it’s a bunch of egos fighting,” the Health Secretary said.

Nationalist groups have already set out plans to run on an “alternative” independence ticket to the SNP in next year’s Holyrood vote.

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