The SNP could pull out of British institutions including the UK Parliament if Boris Johnson continues to block another independence referendum, a senior MP claimed.
Pete Wishart said Scotland is at “tipping point” with polls suggesting majority support for leaving the UK.
And in an article published today, he set out what could happen if the Prime Minister keeps saying no to indyref2.
“If the UK refuses to participate in an agreed referendum in the face of majority support and a clear democratic mandate, we must presume that they have decided to exempt themselves from their obligations and responsibilities as a partner in the union,” the Perth and North Perthshire MP claimed.
Wishart added: "We would then have the grounds to seek to secure our independence without their participation. This should involve a referendum designed in Scotland where a last invitation is offered to the UK to participate to put the case to remain in the union.”
The veteran politician still wants an agreed ballot like in 2014 but is frustrated at the UK Government’s refusal to engage. He said the EU could be asked to step in and sanction a formal vote while the Scottish Government sets out plans to rejoin.
He added: “Beyond that, we should be looking at withdrawing from the apparatus of the UK state and starting to informally acquire the responsibilities currently exercised by the UK.
“This could start by withdrawing from the inter-governmental infrastructure determining the management of the four nations of the UK. This could be escalated up to and including the participation in institutions of the UK Parliament.”
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil is among those in the SNP arguing a majority win in next year’s Scottish Parliament election should be taken as grounds to start negotiations with Westminster for Scotland to leave the UK.
