Andrew Marr took SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon by surprise with a crucial question on an independence referendum for Scotland. The BBC presenter pointed out the “inevitability” of a Scottish independence referendum taking place after Brexit, meaning voters could be choosing to stay outside both the EU and British market. Mr Marr remarked: “It now does look inevitable that any Scottish independence referendum would happen after we have left the EU. Therefore Scottish voters will be staying outside the EU but also outside the British market, which is quite a big ask.”

Ms Sturgeon appeared to nervously chuckle before replying: “Well Scotland shouldn’t have to choose between the UK market, which is important, it’s important to Scotland, it’s important to the rest of the UK to continue to trade in the Scottish market.

“We should not have to choose between that and the European single market which of course is eight times bigger than the UK market. I want Scotland to continue to trade in both.

“We have a major drive just now to grow our exports to Europe, we are setting up new investment hubs and capitals across Europe.

“I want to see us continue to do that, as well as remaining open to people from Europe to come to Scotland.”

Scottish voters will be staying outside the EU but also outside the British market, which is quite a big ask

Andrew Marr

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford gave strong hints earlier this week that Ms Sturgeon could be poised to announce a fresh push towards independence when he declared the SNP leadership would “not allow Scotland to be dragged out of the EU against the wishes of its people”.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday he told the Prime Minister “Scotland is watching” as he repeated his calls for a second Brexit referendum after Theresa May confirmed she had written to Brussels asking for an extension to the March 29 departure date.

He said: “Six days ago the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said in the absence of a deal, seeking such a short and critically one-off extension would be downright reckless.

“Downright reckless Prime Minister – does she agree with her de facto deputy that her actions this morning are downright reckless?”

Mrs May replied: “People voted for Brexit, we have a responsibility to deliver.

“I recognise he and his colleagues in the SNP have always taken the position they want to revoke Article 50 and not have Brexit.

“At least that’s a firm position which is different from the leader of the Opposition who has continually moved his position on this issue.

“But I also believe that nearly three years on from the vote having taken place, to deliver on Brexit for the British people, it is time for this House to face that fact, to face the consequences of its decisions and to deliver on Brexit for the British people.”

Mr Blackford repeated his demands for a second EU referendum.

He said: “Her deal had the biggest defeat in parliamentary history, she brought it back, it had the fourth biggest defeat in parliamentary history.

“Her deal has failed, this House has voted against no-deal, once again the Prime Minister is acting in her own self-interest, not in the interests of the whole of the UK.

“The Prime Minister has failed, this place has failed and Scotland is watching. The only way forward now is to put the decision back to the people.”

He continued: “Will the Prime Minister give the people a say in such a referendum? The people of Scotland deserve a choice over their future.

“If Westminster fails, Scotland will act.”

Source: Read Full Article