A north MP has predicted a second Scottish independence referendum next year – if the UK Government fails to heed the SNP’s opposition to Brexit.
On the eve of a key vote that could trigger the “Article 50” legal mechanism to enact the UK’s departure from the EU, Inverness MP Drew Hendry has hosted public meetings for anxious EU nationals in the Highlands.
The message he conveyed at gatherings in Inverness, Nairn and Aviemore on Saturday, was that “you are welcome and valued.”
A mix of French, German, East European and others aired concerns about the possible implications for them.
Speaking after the Nairn event, Mr Hendry said: “If there’s no acknowledgement of Scotland’s place in Europe, and there’s no response to the Scottish Government, and Article 50 is triggered then an independence referendum is probably inevitable.
“I’d imagine the most sensible thing to do if that were the case would be to have a referendum before the end of 2018.
“The UK Government have put people in an intolerable position of stress. It’s inexcusable they haven’t clarified the rights of EU citizens.”
In Nairn, French-born Elodie Dennison, (CORRECT) 36, who is married to a Scot, told how she had recently decided to apply for UK citizenship because of a commitment to Scotland and desire to vote in all elections.
She said: “I feel uncertain about the future. Some say it’ll be wonderful, some say it’ll be a disaster. It feels like something strong is collapsing a little.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives insisted yesterday (SUN) that “the people of Scotland don’t want another divisive referendum.”
He said: “They expect the SNP to stop the independence rabble-rousing and instead working with the UK Government to get the best possible Brexit deal for the whole of Britain.”
The SNP is preparing to launch an online guide pointing people to where they can get advice.