Boris Johnson’s new approach to an independence referendum

Unionists are finding reasons for optimism when it comes to saving the union. As Nicola Sturgeon comes under fire north of the border over her handling of the Alex Salmond inquiry, ‘No’ has taken the lead in several recent independence polls. A poll this week for the Scotsman also suggested the SNP is no longer set for a majority in May’s Scottish parliament election; instead it predicted a hung parliament.

Of course, the SNP could still secure a majority in the upcoming elections. If anything, that is still viewed as the more likely scenario by Tories in Westminster. This is in part why ministers are having to carefully plan their response as to what do in such a scenario. Given that the SNP have been clear they will quickly push for a second independence referendum if the party wins the election, the Prime Minister needs a response. The Daily Telegraph reports that Boris Johnson will make clear his response to any such question when he addresses the Scottish Conservative Party conference on Sunday. 

The Prime Minister is expected to say he will not grant a second Scottish independence referendum, even if the SNP wins a majority in May’s Holyrood elections – arguing that holding a referendum during the pandemic would be ‘reckless’.