The newly appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, is facing calls to clarify whether the UK is a voluntary union and how Scotland can democratically pursue independence.
The challenge comes after Mr Alexander repeatedly declined to answer the question in a BBC interview on Sunday 7 September, when pressed five times by presenter Martin Geissler.
Mr Alexander, who replaced Ian Murray following his dismissal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been urged by SNP MP Graham Leadbitter to “set the record straight” on Scotland’s right to choose its future.
In a letter sent on Monday, Mr Leadbitter asked:
“Is the UK a voluntary union and if so, what is the democratic route for Scotland to gain independence if it so chooses?”
Graham Leadbitter, MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, said it was time for clarity from the new Secretary of State.
“This is an opportunity for Douglas Alexander to set the record straight after he refused to answer a basic question five times and outline whether or not he supports a very basic democratic principle,” he said.
“The unionist parties are well within their rights to oppose independence, but what they can’t oppose is the principle that if the people of Scotland want a referendum they should get one.
“With Labour in disarray having completely failed to deliver the change they promised, it’s no wonder more and more people are deciding Scotland’s future should be in Scotland’s hands.
“This is a choice for the people of Scotland, not Keir Starmer.”
Mr Alexander has yet to respond publicly to the letter.
