Commenting on the SNP’s renewed push for a second independence referendum, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“Voters across the Highlands and Islands would be forgiving for thinking it’s Groundhog Day again as Nicola Sturgeon launches just her latest ‘big push’ for an independence referendum Scotland doesn’t want.
“Despite her rhetoric, it offers nothing for communities across our region, whose issues have once again been shunted sideways as the SNP pursues its obsession with more division and breaking up the United Kingdom.
“Over the last 15 years, the SNP has utterly failed the Highlands and Islands. They have put serious pressure on local council budgets and services, failed to deliver the transport links we need here – including lifeline ferries and vital road improvements, and left health and care services struggling.
“But instead of focusing on these issues – which are what my constituents are really concerned about - the SNP has once again chosen to indulge themselves with constitutional wrangling despite Scotland decisively voting No only a few years ago.
“SNP ministers distracted by preparations for another referendum – which they can’t and won’t deliver anyway - is the last thing that we need with the ongoing economic challenges we face, a war in Europe and a huge attainment gap in Scottish education.
“It’s well beyond the time the SNP ended their politics of grievance and focused on governing Scotland. There’s more than enough issues here in the Highlands and Islands that need their attention”.
