Scottish National Party warns over new independence referendum

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has threatened to call for a new referendum if the UK government fails to give more power and autonomy to the country, as promised after the majority of Scots voted to stay in the UK.

Stewart Hosie, the SNP’s Treasury spokesman in Westminster, said in an interview with the Financial Times that the party might call for a new referendum on independence if the national government doesn’t approve a devolution package of measures already on the table.

Last September, pro-independence supporters lost by 55% to 45% with David Cameron pledging to give more power to the country to decide in its parliament on matters of tax, spending and welfare.

Scotland is now seeking full fiscal autonomy and would also prefer to stay within the EU, but the UK is still debating on these issues and has already rejected the proposal of complete fiscal autonomy.

Another referendum is not planned yet, but it might be included in the party’s manifesto if those who voted to stay in the UK “think they’ve been sold a pup” as promises are not kept, Hosie said.

“The Tories must stop playing games with Scotland, and clarify whether or not David Cameron’s assurance that further changes to the Scotland Bill will be considered still stands,” Hosie said.

Scottish Deputy First Minster John Swinney added, “The First Minister was very clear that there would have to be a material change in circumstances before the SNP brought forward proposals for a further referendum.”

Scotland also has ambitious plans on renewable energy development, aiming at sourcing 100% of its electricity from clean sources by 2020. However, the industry fears that such goal might be compromised by the UK’s government pledge to cut subsidies for renewables.

Photo:  Barney Moss via flickr

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Further reading:

Scottish independence: Sir Ian Wood warns on overestimated North Sea oil reserves

Scottish independence: renewables and climate change debate heats up

Scottish independence: ‘Yes’ vote could lead to £14bn hole in budget

Scotland’s decision: a more sustainable United Kingdom democracy

Scottish independence: Scots vote to stay in the UK by 55% to 45%