'You're AFRAID of another referendum?' John Humphrys GRILLS SNP MP over indyref2 threats
THE SNP’S Brexit spokesman was left squirming following an intense roasting over his party’s “impossible” exit compromise and calls for a second independence referendum.
John Humphrys ATTACKS Stephen Gethin over indyref2
Stephen Gethins called on Theresa May to reconsider her position on single market membership for Scotland after radio host John Humphrys proceeded to dismantle his argument.
The host, who called the SNP MP's ambitions “impossible”, reminded him of the Government’s clear stance on the single market membership of the UK.
Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Gethins admitted it was “unlikely” the Government would give into the compromise deal but refused to outline a timeline for triggering a second Scottish independence referendum.
“The ball is firmly in Theresa May and [Scotland Secretary] David Mundell’s court right now,” he said.
John Humphrys did not hold back during the heated radio clash
David Mundell accuses Sturgeon of 'tunnel vision' over indyref2
The implication has to be that you’re afraid of another referendum
Humphrys proceed to scold the politician and replied: “Well, no it is isn’t because the people of the United Kingdom have voted to leave the European Union, therefore the ball is in your court.
“Yes it’s true, most Scots voted to stay in, but the fact is all Scots are citizens of the United Kingdom – they voted to remain citizens of the United Kingdom.”
Mr Gethins said he “respected” the decision of England and Wales but called for a “pan-UK approach to the situation”.
He said it was “not such a bad way to go" given “how divided the UK is as a whole right now”.
Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scotland could call another independence referendum
Humphrys said any such deal did not appear to be on the cards and repeatedly asked when the SNP planned to push for a referendum.
The MP replied: “If the UK Government reject a perfectly reasonable compromise from the Scottish Government… then we really need to consider our options.”
The presenter then accused Nicola Sturgeon's party of running scared of holding another vote on Scottish independence.
“When will you say ‘enough we are going to have a referendum’ because it’s as if you can’t answer or won’t answer that – the implication has to be that you’re afraid of another referendum,” he said.
But Mr Gethins refused to budge and bashed the Tories for revealing “no details” about its Brexit plan.
He added: “Even if it’s unlikely [the Government accepts the compromise] or not, we have a responsibility.”