29 May 2017
Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed her first priority in any alliance with Jeremy Corbyn would be consent for a second independence referendum.
Speaking on television earlier, the First Minister again talked-up the possibility of propping up a Labour government in Westminster.
And should she secure such a deal, the prospect of another divisive vote would be the first thing on the table, she confirmed.
It comes as Corbyn admitted he would “open discussions” with the SNP about another referendum.
He said today when asked about a re-run of the 2014 vote: “I’ll obviously open discussions with the government in Scotland and listen very carefully to what the Scottish Parliament says.”
That marries with Nicola Sturgeon’s position on the issue.
After being asked on Sky News if another referendum would be a condition of any arrangement, she said: “If there’s any chance of a progressive alliance that locks the Tories out I’d want to get as much of SNP manifesto implemented as possible.”
It’s the strongest indication yet that the SNP and Labour are working behind the scenes for a post-election deal.
Corbyn’s insiders said last month they wanted to “cut a deal” with the SNP to put him into Number 10.
And for its part, the SNP thinks a Corbyn government could act as a “midwife for independence”.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“Nicola Sturgeon is desperate for a second referendum and will do anything to get it – even putting Jeremy Corbyn into Number 10.
“The Labour leader has already said he’s ‘absolutely fine’ with another referendum – so it looks like a sweetheart deal is in the offing.
“This might suit the two of them but it would be a disaster for Scotland – dragging us back to more division just at the moment when we need to move on, together.
“I will always stand up for the decision we made to stay part of the UK and a vote for the Scottish Conservatives will help me send Nicola Sturgeon a message – no to another referendum.”
Notes to editors:
Nicola Sturgeon appeared live on Sky News earlier today.
Labour sources have already confirmed Jeremy Corbyn wants to do a deal with the SNP after June 8:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/04/reports-state-labour-will-pursue-election-deal-with-snp/
And the SNP is equally keen on such an arrangement:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/04/snp-says-it-wants-corbyn-alliance-to-act-as-midwife-for-independence/
Below are words from Jeremy Corbyn today, as reported by PA:
“I’ll obviously open discussions with the Government in Scotland and listen very carefully to what the Scottish Parliament says.”
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