MSPs have found time to force a vote on keeping the European flag flying at Holyrood, in a bid to overrule a decision to take it down this Friday.
Some SNP and pro-Europe members were furious when Holyrood’s six-member cross-party business group decided earlier this month to remove the symbol from outside parliament on Brexit day.
The Record had earlier revealed how former Europe minister Alasdair Allan was campaigning to keep it flying to reflect the majority view to keep Scotland in the EU.
Tories said the decision to squeeze a half-hour debate and vote into the running order on Wednesday shows the SNP care more about the constitution than problems in schools and hospitals.
And Labour’s Neil Findlay hit out on social media: “No Govt education debate for years, no drugs debate for years, NHS debates rare as hen’s teeth but hey we are debating flags tomorrow (I despair).”
Outlining his campaign earlier this month, Allan said : “In line with the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland, our future lies in Europe and we should keep the EU flag flying proudly above our parliament.”
The flag vote will be followed by a debate and vote on the right to hold indyref2 this year. The SNP are determined to hold a referendum this year despite a blanket refusal from Boris Johnson.
Nicola Sturgeon will set out her "next steps" in the campaign on Friday, shortly before the UK officially leaves the EU.
