A second independence referendum would further “divide” Scotland, Kezia Dugdale has said in a stinging message to Nicola Sturgeon and her own rebellious MSPs.
The Scottish Labour leader attacked both the SNP and the Conservatives in her keynote speech to the party’s UK conference in Liverpool, which attracted a standing ovation from the floor.
She said: “Scotland faces enough risk and uncertainty with the Tory’s reckless Brexit gamble.
“We do not need the risk and uncertainty of another independence referendum.
“That is why we will vote against any proposal for a second independence referendum in this Parliament.
“As we face negotiations on our membership of the EU and real threats to the future of our public services, we cannot afford our government to take their eye off the ball.
“With so many challenges facing Scotland in the future, we should not return to the divisions of the past.
“My message to Nicola Sturgeon is this. First Minister, our country is already divided enough. Do not divide us again.”
Ms Dugdale’s deputy leader, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley, has publicly said he would “not oppose” a re-run of the 2014 vote.
A source close to his boss at Holyrood was firm on the leadership’s resolve, saying: “Scottish Labour was elected on a manifesto (which included opposition to another referendum during the lifetime of his parliament) and voters will expect politicians to respect that.”
But some MSPs were lukewarm to the proposals. “I will vote with her but only because I think there should be an option for federalism on the ballot paper,” said one.
Ms Dugdale attacked Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson for “the worst type of constitutional vandalism” in campaigning along independence fault-lines in May.
She added: “Don’t let Ruth Davidson ever tell you again that the Union is safe in Tory hands.”
A source close to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was scathing about the speech’s reiteration of policies included in May’s Holyrood election at the expense of any new announcements.
They said: “What is the point in her getting up on the stage if she has nothing new to say?”
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives: “People are turning away from Ms Dugdale’s negative and divided Labour party and are now turning towards Ruth’s positive and united Scottish Conservatives.”
