The SNP would put a “Marxist in Number 10” for independence, the Scottish Conservatives have claimed.
Westminster leader Ian Blackford said yesterday the SNP could offer its support to a Jeremy Corbyn minority government in exchange for a section 30 order.
A section 30 order is a mechanism in the Scotland Act 1998 which can – temporarily or permanently – grant legislative authority to the Scottish Parliament in certain areas.
Angus MP Kirstene Hair said the move would sell “unionists down the river”.
The SNP and the Lib Dems have discussed working with Labour on a “progressive” basis.
As well as the suggestion of a minority Labour government, a proposal of a “national unity government” could also be proposed.
When asked on Sunday Politics Scotland if a condition of cooperation with Labour would be a section 30 order, Mr Blackford said: “It is absolutely the case. Everything we have seen in Westminster shows the people of Scotland have to have the right to determine their own future, which means we have to have that section 30 and putting it in the hands of the Scottish parliament.”
He said: We made it quite clear in 2015 and 2017 we are not looking for a coalition. We are looking at working with others on a progressive basis. We need to make sure we stop a no-deal Brexit.
“We want to stop the people being dragged out of the EU. We want the people of Scotland to have their say on independence in a referendum based on the mandate we have. Of course, we will work with others to make sure we can deliver on that agenda.
“I simply say to Jeremy Corbyn and anybody else we have to respect democracy. We have that mandate. If the people reinforce that by voting SNP he has to respect it would be the Scottish parliament that determines when a referendum is called, not a government in Westminster.”
Lib Dem Christine Jardine said: “The priority for the Lib Dems is preventing the UK crashing out without a deal on October 31 and ensuring we put an end to the mess Brexit has become.
“Jeremy Corbyn and no-deal are both bad options. Our position is Jeremy Corbyn does not have the support in parliament needed to run an interim government of national unity.
“We need someone who can demand the respect of parliament. The opposition parties are trying to find a strategy to take us ahead. Jeremy Corbyn cannot stop no-deal, Jeremy Corbyn believes in Brexit and the Labour party is all over the place on this because the leadership in the party won’t listen to those who want to remain.”
Ms Hair said: “Ian Blackford has confirmed the only priority for the nationalists is another independence referendum.
“They are prepared to prop up a Marxist in Number 10 to achieve that goal.
“A deal between Nicola Sturgeon and Jeremy Corbyn would quite simply sell Unionists in Scotland down the river.
“It is increasingly clear that only the Conservatives can be trusted to protect our United Kingdom.”
