SCOTTISH Labour leadership hopeful Joe Fagan has ruled out ever supporting a second independence referendum, or even agreeing a route to a democratic vote.
An MSP since May, Fagan is one of two men left in the running to replace Anas Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader. Michael Marra is his only remaining opponent after left-wing challenger Monica Lennon failed to win the support necessary from Scottish Labour MPs to get on the ballot.
Speaking to The Daily Record, Fagan was asked if there were any circumstances in which he might support a second independence referendum.
“No,” he said.
Echoing his party’s former leader Sarwar’s common refrain, Fagan went on: “I don't support independence and I don't support another independence referendum.
“The question I think you are really asking is are there circumstances in which another independence referendum is legitimate? That is up for the people who are proponents of independence and a referendum to set out their case.”
Fagan also ruled out coming to the table to agree a route to a second referendum, a question which has long dogged Unionist politicians.
He told The Record: “I don't think it's the priority for voters right now – but I also just think that if, not when, if the issue of independence and another referendum were to re-emerge and it was obvious there was a demand for it, we wouldn’t be debating processes and opinion polls and mandates. It would be obvious.”
Responding to Fagan, former Scottish Labour general secretary Michael Sharpe said: “An interesting new tactic being taken here from a Scottish Labour leadership hopeful. I am intrigued to see how this new approach resonates with many of our potential voters.
“Good to see fresh ideas coming in, though!”
Former Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay said: “What [Fagan] is saying is that Scottish Labour will only attempt to get votes from 50% of voters – those 50% now have Tory, LibDem, Reform and Labour to choose from – what an absurd strategy.
“It is the same strategy adopted by successive leaders – all failed miserably.”
Marra has been approached for comment and asked if he shares Fagan’s position on both a second referendum and a potential route to a referendum.
Former SNP MP Douglas Chapman quipped that Fagan’s position was “great news” as it “keeps Labour out of power in Scotland”.
SNP MSP Kate Campbell alleged that “London Labour stitched this leadership contest up, blocking Monica Lennon to squash any debate about Scottish independence”.
She went on: “Joe Fagan lapped up Tory votes to seize control of South Lanarkshire council so it’s no surprise to see him deny democracy to the Scottish people.
“The Labour Party in Scotland is in a doom loop – ignore the will of the majority, get destroyed in an election, appoint a new bloke to defend Westminster at all costs.”
