Sturgeon ‘knows she won’t win referendum any time soon’ says Lord Darling

GETTY

Alistair Darling said talking about the constitution was a ‘smokescreen’

Alistair Darling said talking about the constitution was a “smokescreen” distracting from everything else that is going on. 

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on a new draft Referendum Bill, with the First Minister insisting voters north of the Border should be given the chance to consider the issue afresh after the Brexit vote. 

• 

  SNP has called to be treated as ‘equal partner’ in Brexit negotiations

• 

  Sturgeon’s dream of second referendum blasted as economic vandalism

Talking about the constitution is a great smokescreen for everything else going on

Alistair Darling

While the UK unanimously voted to leave the EU, almost two-thirds of Scots who took part in the ballot wanted to remain part of the bloc. 

Downing Street insists the SNP has no mandate for a second referendum after independence was rejected in 2014. But Ms Sturgeon has said Scots should have the ability to reconsider the independence issue in light of the vote for Brexit, and to do so before the UK leaves the EU. 

However, the former Chancellor, now Lord Darling, said: “I think everybody knows that if she thought she could win a referendum now she would hold a referendum tomorrow. 

“Talking about the constitution is a great smokescreen for everything else going on. I don’t think she will hold a referendum any time soon because she doesn’t think she can win it. So why not get on with what she was elected to do and govern Scotland? 

GETTY

Nicola Sturgeon won’t hold a second referendum ‘any time soon’ according to Lord Darling

“I am very clear that we were told this was a once-in-a-generation decision two years ago, so it is. 

“Remember, the decision was far more decisive than the European referendum if you look at the margins. 

GETTY

Downing Street insists the SNP has no mandate for a second referendum

“It is time people said to the SNP, ‘It is quite clear you don’t think you can win’. “People don’t want another referendum.” 

Ms Sturgeon wants her Government to take charge of migration, as well as being allowed to strike its own international deals. 

GETTY

Nicola Sturgeon warned Theresa May she would call a second referendum if there was a ‘hard Brexit’

She has warned Prime Minister Theresa May that, if her demands are not met and the UK Government pursues a so-called “hard Brexit”, she will call a second referendum. 

Former First Minister Alex Salmond said at the weekend: “Unless Theresa May is prepared to listen, and to accept the plan that Nicola Sturgeon is putting forward, there will be another independence referendum in about two years’ time.”