Sturgeon’s referendum plan could ruin the independence dream

So much for Plan B. Supporters of Scottish independence are putting a brave face on the emphatic ruling by the Supreme Court that – surprise, surprise – the Scottish parliament does not have the power to call a referendum on independence. Lord Reed cast aside the sophistry that ballot would be ‘merely advisory’ — so are all referendums under the UK constitution. And of course a referendum on Scottish independence would ‘relate to’ the constitution which is reserved to Westminster.

Sturgeon will now be unable to proceed with her referendum scheduled for October next year – not that anyone serious thought it likely to happen. Why anyone believed that the Supreme Court of the UK would facilitate the break up of the UK is a mystery. This ruling may have been predictable, but it could also have a catastrophic impact on the independence movement, which is already deeply divided. It will also hasten Nicola Sturgeon’s departure from politics.