Vince Cable: Indyref2 would need indyref3 to agree divorce terms

A second referendum on Scottish independence would require a further vote on the terms of '˜divorce' talks between Scotland and the UK, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable has said.

Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said any potential indyref2 would need to be followed up with a third referendum. Picture: Gordon Fraser

Mr Cable, whose party wants a People’s Vote on the terms of Brexit deal, allowing the public to keep the UK in the EU, told the BBC: “If there ever were in future a referendum on Scottish independence and people voted for it, I think they would themselves have to accept that there should then be a confirmatory vote at the end... I don’t think there’s any inconsistency with supporting us on the principle of having a people’s vote on Europe.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary David Mundell has rejected calls from the SNP, made during a Commons debate in July on the Claim of Right, for Holyrood to be given the power to hold a second independence referendum.

“As we prepare to leave the EU, the arguments for Scotland remaining a part of the UK are just as compelling as they have always been,” Mr Mundell said. He added: “The constitutional settlement we have gave [Nicola Sturgeon] the right to call for [indyref2]. It also gave us the right to say no.”