Scottish Secretary Demands Referendum Clarity

Scottish Secretary David Mundell wants the Scottish Government to come clean on its plans for a second independence referendum.

David Mundell has been quizzed about contingency plans in the event of a further referendum. Yesterday, Alex Salmond said a second vote was inevitable but a 'question of timing'. Mr Mundell has said he's 'disappointed' that the 'once in a generation opportunity' remains an issue:

“The Scottish Government’s White Paper on independence said a referendum was a “once in a generation opportunity” - this makes answering questions on preparations for a second referendum all the more disappointing. 

"We’re approaching one year on from the referendum where the people of Scotland voted decisively to remain part of the United Kingdom.  Yet the noises are growing from those who want to begin a countdown towards a second referendum. 

“It does no favours to use talk of a second referendum as a cloak to avoid talking about what the Scottish Government can do with the powers they’ve got and what they can do with the substantial powers which are on the way through the Scotland Bill.

“The UK Government is getting on with the job we were elected to do.  We’ve taken the difficult decisions to rebuild our economy, we’ve created jobs, living standards are rising and for the second year running the UK is expected to have the fasting growing major advanced economy in the world.  Meanwhile the Scottish Government are overseeing a crisis in their centralised Police force, facing questions over staff shortages in the NHS and are missing their own targets on school class sizes.”