The SNP has claimed comments made by former Prime Minister Tony Blair have strengthened the argument for Scottish independence after he criticised the direction and effectiveness of Westminster government.
The party says Blair’s remarks, in which he argued the UK lacks a coherent long term plan and has taken decisions damaging to the economy, reflect growing frustration with the political system at Westminster.
According to the SNP, a series of major decisions taken by successive UK Governments have negatively affected Scotland’s economy, businesses and energy sector.
Among the issues highlighted were Brexit, changes to national insurance contributions and ongoing disputes surrounding the future of Scotland’s oil and gas industry.
The party argues those decisions have reinforced calls for Scotland to have greater control over economic and energy policy through independence.
The comments also come shortly after the newly elected Scottish Parliament again backed the principle that Scotland should have the power to hold another referendum on independence following the SNP’s election victory earlier this month.
SNP MSP David Linden said frustration with Westminster politics was continuing to grow across Scotland.
“Even senior members of the Labour Party can now see it, Westminster has been disastrous for Scotland.
“Westminster has implemented a brutal tax on jobs, ruined 1000 energy jobs a month through their hated tax on Scotland’s energy and inflicted sky high energy bills on hard working households.”
The SNP argues Scotland faces a political choice between remaining within the current UK system or pursuing independence with the aim of rejoining the European Union and gaining full control over economic, energy and social policy.
Linden also linked the wider constitutional debate to concerns over the future political direction of the UK.
“Broken, Brexit Britain is in terminal decline and is bound for a Farage future, Westminster does not work for Scotland and we desperately need a fresh start with independence.
“Independence offers Scotland the opportunity to re join the EU, to put Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands and build a wealthier Scotland anew, that is the positive vision for Scotland’s future people voted for just a few short weeks ago.”
The future of Scotland’s constitutional position continues to dominate political debate following the recent Scottish Parliament election, with supporters of independence arguing Scotland should have the right to determine its own future while opponents continue to argue constitutional change should remain within existing UK legal frameworks.
As pressure builds around energy policy, economic growth and Scotland’s relationship with Westminster, the debate over independence shows little sign of fading from the centre of Scottish politics.
