The full exchange: Blackford accuses Government of ‘being scared of democracy’

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford accuses the government of "being scared of democracy" and "blocking Scottish democracy" after Nicola Sturgeon unveiled her route map to the indyref2.

Dominic Raab told Mr Blackford: “It's not the right time for another referendum, given the challenges that we face as one UK.

“I think actually the people of Scotland want their two governments to work together and we are keen, willing and enthusiastic to do so.”

[hullygully]

Always look forward to the SNP clown Blackford in the parliament punch and Judy show

[saddoncarrs]

The Scots never wanted any of this. They voted to stay in the UK in 2014 and they voted to stay in the EU in 2016. It was the electorate in England and Wales who disrupted things by voting for brexit.
The Scots are now being told that they can't stay in the UK AND be in the EU - so it is surely only fair that they are offered a further referendum to decide whether they wish to remain affiliated to Westminster or Brussels or neither. Scotland is not a region like, say, East Anglia or The Midlands – it is a nation and it is only right that its people are left alone to exercise their right to self-determination at any time of their choosing. If they'd rather not have a referendum, then they're free to democratically vote for parties not advocating such a move.

[alanmccluskey]

Since Brexit our household has boycotted everything European if Scotland leaves they will get the same treatment

[ChangesOneTim]

Well said, Mr B...but first put your own party in order and stop condoning sexual misconduct by taking six years to investigate then keep the offender in office.

[johnavery]

In the 2014 Referendum we were told by the No campaign that voting Yes would take(the Scots) us out of the EU and people fell for it hence the 45% yes 55% no. But then the Tories held a referendum on EU membership and we and NI voted to stay in so what the Tories said was not true. So we are entitled to another go due to the usual Tory lies. I will certainly be campaigning again for Independence. I have nothing against the English at all but against the Tories that we have never voted for since 1956. Do you all gt it?

[heatherford]

The SNP Government was voted in on the mandate that there is a second independence vote by a majority of people. How many independent nations that were part of the Empire have asked to rejoin?

[mattstevenson]

I am neither for or against Scottish independence or Brexit - the reason politicians and ministers have jobs is that they are meant to be able to make these decisions in the best interests of their respective countries and economies.

Companies don't let the employees vote on the strategy used to grow a business. The people that have the responsibility plan it, action it, and if it works you are the hero, and if not - you are looking for a new job.

Putting these things to referendums completely absolves politcians of responsibility.

If it goes well: "Look at how great our government is".

If it goes badly: "We gave the people what they wanted".

Ian Blackford has said there is no case for the union. Looking at the SNP manifesto, the case for independence is pretty thin.

If you want the voting public to make your decisions for you - then bloody explain to them what it is they are letting themselves in for.

[auldflyer]

Ask Blackford to explain the "Arran Ferry Debacle" and he would be lost for words....

[richardsmith]

2014 voted to stay as part of the UK in a once in life time vote that's democracy

[patsanters]

Rep of Ireland are not Indie as they are ruled over by EU, is this what u want Scotland to be ruled over by EU ?
I was in Dublin in 2014 and was a March i seen and ended up walking in for some steps of way speaking to a guy
and he said to me the March was in aid of the EU putting up the price of their water this when the Rep of Ireland
has plenty of water of their own and i inc Scotland certainly also do

But do u want ruled over by EU ? as rep if ireland are ..One old lady said to me from Galway once, said at time just not long before Scotlands voting came up and said best not to as Rep if ireland are worse off now with price hikes
expensive everywhere, your best staying within UK ..

[danfrost]

I'm sick of hearing him banging on and on. For god's sake Let Scotland go (but also stop the millions it gets from Westminster) then, when it realises it can't make it on it's own & comes back with it's tail between it's legs, YOU can dictate the terms.

[gbtrat]

This is the mistake the government makes. Give the SNP their referendum. Beat them in that referendum then the SNP won't be able to hide from their disastrous record and corruption.

[justsoup]

Let’s have a vote for politicians getting minimal wages first… let your education debate the justification’s
UK democracy is a joke, proscribing a desirable opinion and shaming the opposition is very democratic hahaha

[BandConditions]

At least we have drinkable tap water in Scottish cities.

[rayakusu-fosterB]

What an Awesome 👌 👏 😎 🙌 😍 😀 Answer by Our Deputy Prime Minister. "It's Good to See 👀 😌 The Scottish Representative, In his Place" Very Profound. Love it.

[neilwhite]

A bit rich coming from the Eco alliance cult.

[Victoria-hzgx]

BUT YOUR ALL SO CLEVER IN PARLIAMENT YOU CANNOT WORK TOGETHER! FROM A THICK HEADED SCOTTISH WOMAN 👩

[jeremydyke]

Lies and twisted words from the Isle of Skye Barrage Balloon, more hot air! At the Scottish Election, Wee Nippy stated that a vote for the SNP, was not a vote for Independence, but as soon as the dust settled, they had a mandate for a referendum. BTW, if ever the Scots were mug enough to vote for it, I pity the Pensioners, who would find the Government had no money to fund the old age pension, or any other type

[patriciaoreilly]

Hope Scotland does not go Independent 😢 but hopefully gets rid of the old record Sturgeon. Scotland has many Challenges ie out of control drug problems 😑 etc etc . What is this embarrassing woman Sturgeon doing about it

[stevedowdeswell]

Vote every month until they get a yes. Lol.