As First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces she will seek consent from Holyrood for a second independence referendum, we bring the best reactions from Scottish twitter
THE REACTION to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s second independence referendum announcement was varied and intense with figures and commentators from both sides giving their first reaction and thoughts on social media.
In a surprise press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, she said a vote would be held between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019.
She announced the UK Government refusal to negotiate over Scotland maintaining a relationship with the EU meant that Scots would have to choose between hard Brexit and an independent Scotland. She will seek the support of the Scottish Parliament next week for a fresh referendum, which must be granted through a UK section 30 order.
CommonSpace takes a look at the reaction across the twittershpere in Scotland.
- A deceased and much missed UK.
Had the pleasure of meeting the UK at a charity do once. It was surprisingly down to earth, and VERY funny.
— Limmy (@DaftLimmy) March 13, 2017
Are we witnessing the end of the UK? Famous comedian Daft Limmy pay his respects to what he sees is the inevitable decline of the UK union.
2. Save the one you love
Save yourself, Scotland! Save yourself! #indyref2
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) March 13, 2017
Progressives around the country urged Scottish voters to go for the choice of independence when it arises. Well, what can you do. If you know you’re doomed the least you can do is offer kindly advice to the people you love.
3. A choice between two worlds
Just overhead a Tory saying “They can’t have a referendum if they don’t know what they are voting for.” Oh the irony. #Brexit #Indyref2
— Carol Monaghan MP (@CMonaghanMP) March 13, 2017
The argument from the Better Together side from the time of the first referendum until now has been that the UK represents the “best of both worlds.” However some commentators have argued that Brexit may have stretched that argument.
4. At your marks…get set
Norman Smith says that Scotland may have ”referendum fatigue”.
While Yessers on Twitter are like:#indyref2 pic.twitter.com/7nRT0xrmqu— Kirsty S (@KirstyStricklan) March 13, 2017
After much debate over whether the groups and individuals supporting independence would be enthused enough for another referendum supporters came out on social media to express just how excited they are to have another bite at the independence apple.
5. An inclusive debate to win
And please – be kind to No voters. Engage empathy. This is not about division. Don’t widen the schism now. #indyref2
— Vonny Moyes (@vonny_bravo) March 13, 2017
Columnist Vonny Moyes made a point of emphasising that either side of the debate should focus on positive messages that address the everyday concerns of voters across Scotland. Although polling has suggested that both sides have hardened in their opinions, there is still a section of the Scottish electorate undecided and open to persuasion by both sides.
6. Mission impossible for the UK civil service
Civil service doesn’t have personnel to cope with #Brexit. That given, adding #indyref2 would be an impossible task to manage.
— Glen O’Hara (@gsoh31) March 13, 2017
Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at Oxford Brookes, Glenn O’Hara, has said that the UK civil service struggling to deal with the demands of Brexit will suffer more discomfort if a referendum is called. If independence is achieved then we might witness the hastag #prayforUKcivilservice.
7. Continental focus
Exit vom #Brexit: #Schottland startet einen zweiten Versuch. Showdown im Herbst 2018? https://t.co/8hjHqoKzqX
— Volker Votsmeier (@VolkerVotsmeier) March 13, 2017
Many European commentators responded to the news with German and Italian press showing sympathy and a lack of surprise that Scotland’s ruling party would rather hang out with them than Theresa May.
8. Divisive division
Nicola Sturgeon has today chosen the path of further division and uncertainty. We will vote against any request for a Section 30 next week.
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) March 13, 2017
The leader of Scottish Tories went to Twitter to state that in her view any referendum is divisive, especially Scottish referenda, but not Brexit referenda – they give the UK opportunties. Or so she says.
Picture courtesy of Scottish Government
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