Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, has demanded that Westminster respects Scottish democracy after the Supreme Court ruled that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold an independence referendum.
The local MSP has also said that the Supreme Court ruling must be respected but it demonstrates that Scotland is not part of a voluntary union.
Commenting, Tom Arthur said:
“Westminster must respect the democratic mandate delivered by the people of Scotland in last year’s Scottish elections. A majority of MSPs were elected on holding an independence referendum and that must be upheld.
“The Supreme Court ruling is one that must be respected, but what it highlights is that Scotland is not part of a voluntary union. The United Kingdom ceases to be a voluntary union when one member needs to gain the permission of another for the right to choose a different future.
“If Westminster does not grant permission for a referendum then it must also outline what the democratic route is for Scotland to have a say on its future.
“In the meantime, the Scottish Government will continue to outline how Scotland can forge a path towards a better, fairer independent country away from the chaos at Westminster.”