ONE million people who were unable to vote in the 2014 independence referendum must have the right to decide their future, and the UK Government cannot stand in their way, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister has said.
A new generation of Scots should be allowed to have their say on whether to remain in the United Kingdom, Jenny Gilruth has said on the anniversary of the historic vote.
Gilruth said it is estimated that by 2029, one million people who were not able to have their say in 2014 will become eligible to vote, adding that by 2030 Scots who were not born at the time of the referendum will be able to vote.
Last week, Andy Burnham laid out the conditions for a second Scottish independence referendum as he said that the rules governing when a repeat of the 2014 vote could be held should be “exactly the same” as those for an Irish reunification referendum.
Following the Prime Minister’s comments, the leaders of the three devolved nations met earlier this week to sign a landmark agreement demanding that the UK Government allow them to hold referendums on independence.
Gilruth said the momentum behind Scotland’s right to decide is growing and that there should be an agreed, legal mechanism for a referendum, to give young Scots the chance to have their say.
“Twelve years ago today, Scotland went to the polls in the first independence referendum – it was a time of genuine hope and optimism that inspired countless people across the country,” she said.
“Our focus now is on the next referendum – one that we intend to hold in this parliamentary term and one we intend to win.
“The democratic case for Scotland’s right to decide our own future is clear – even the Prime Minister has come to accept it.
“In this parliamentary term, by 2029, it is estimated we have over a million young people become eligible to vote who were not old enough to make their voice heard in 2014. By 2030, we are going to see people eligible to vote who were not even born in 2014.
“No Westminster politician has the right to look those young people in the eye and tell them that they cannot decide their own future.”
Gilruth went on to say that with the fresh start of independence “we can make our country a better place”.
She outlined this can be achieved by using the country’s vast energy wealth to bring down people’s bills, rejoin the European Union as an equal member and creating an economy that “works for everyone”.
Gilruth continued: “That is the positive, ambitious argument for Scotland that we will take into the next referendum – and that is why we can be confident we will win.
“With support for independence growing, the most pro-independence MSPs in the history of our Parliament and an acceptance of the need for constitutional change in all corners of these islands, the momentum behind Scotland’s right to decide is clear.
“The UK Government must now be true to the Prime Minister’s word, and agree the route for Scotland to hold our referendum – and ensure that the voices of 1 million young Scots are heard.”
