Sturgeon uses Catalan independence to take dig at Westminster for blocking her own dreams
NICOLA STURGEON used the plight of the Catalonian independence movement to attempt to move forward her own dreams for Scottish independence in Holyrood.
Sturgeon talks about Catalonia to push Scottish independence
The Scottish First Minister, who has seemingly failed in delivering her promise to break up the United Kingdom, told Scottish Parliament every country should have the right of “self-determination”.
The Spanish Government has attempted to quash the Catalan separatist movement, with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy demanding independence leaders “stop this radicalism and disobedience”.
During the weekly First Minister’s Questions session in Holyrood, Scottish National Party MSP asked the opinion of Ms Sturgeon on the “awful” event in which the Spanish Government had condemned Catalonian independence.
I think most people would agree that the situation in Catalonia is of concern
Mr McKee said: “The First Minister will have seen the shocking scenes in Catalonia.
“Armed police have raided offices and seized ballot papers in an attempt to stop the Catalan people voting on their own future.
“Can I ask what is the Scottish Government’s view of these appalling events?”
Scottish MPs LAUGH as Sturgeon grilled on child poverty
Ms Sturgeon replied: “I think most people would agree that the situation in Catalonia is of concern.
“I hope there will be a dialogue between the Catalan and Spanish Governments to try and resolve this situation, that has got to be preferable to the sight of police officers seizing ballot papers and entering newspaper offices.”
Ms Sturgeon then proceeded to, seemingly, take aim at Theresa May and the Conservative Government in Westminster, after the Prime Minister insisted the Scottish independence movement could not have another vote until Brexit is completed.
The First Minister added: “It is, of course, entirely legitimate for Spain to oppose independence for Catalonia, but what I think is of concern is anywhere for a state to seek to deny the right for people to democratically express their will.
“The right of self-determination is an important international principle and I hope it will be respected in Catalonia, and everywhere else.”
She concluded that the Edinburgh Agreement, which allowed Scotland its first independence vote, should be used internationally as a template for regions to democratically deliver independence.