Labour councillor and Cosla president calls for second independence referendum

Scotland’s leading councillor has called for a second Scottish independence referendum.

Alison Evison, president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), claimed democracy had become “fragile”.

Mrs Evison, who is a Labour councillor in Aberdeenshire, said: “It’s straightforward to me: democracy must be at the core of all we do.

“Recently it has become fragile and we must strengthen it again.

“We can strengthen it by enabling the voice of Scotland to be heard through its formal processes and that must mean a referendum on independence.”

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said the comments were a “reflection of shifting public opinion” on independence – with the Yes Scotland pledge gaining 110,000 signatures since the General Election result to reach over 400,000.

He said: “Alison’s comments are a reflection of shifting public opinion as voters look for an escape route from this Tory Brexit.

“With Boris Johnson in Number 10 threatening privatisation of our NHS, it’s no surprise more people believe Scotland should have a say on its own future.

“Our movement is going from strength to strength – with more and more traditional Labour voters looking to independence to help secure a brighter future Scotland.

“Voters in Scotland have spoken – we will have a say on our future.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote on Twitter: “Not for me to decide its direction, of course, but can’t help thinking that Scottish Labour would do well to listen to principled and sensible voices like Alison Evison.”