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Scottish Labour considering changing position on independence referendum after losses to SNP

PROMINENT Scottish Labour politicians will consider a policy change on whether an independence referendum will be held following last week’s election defeat, they said today.

After being left with just one MP in Scotland amid a swathe of SNP gains across the country, pressure has been growing in recent days for Labour to rethink its stance on secession.

During the general election campaign, Labour had said it would not consider a rerun of the 2014 vote in the early years of government.

However, following the emergence of a Tory majority, many within the party north of the border have indicated they may rethink their stance.

MSPs Monica Lennon and Neil Findlay both indicated on Sunday that they would like to see the decision on Scotland’s future made in Scotland, with Boris Johnson expected to reject a request for a section 30 order to hold a second referendum.

Mr Findlay, who in 2014 argued for a federal UK, has said the party “cannot run away” from the issue, but called for patience until after the outcome of Brexit is known.

Ms Lennon, who reiterated her opposition to the SNP’s idea of independence, also said: “The future of Scotland must be decided by the people of Scotland,” with powers to hold a vote given to the Scottish Parliament.

On Friday a group of Labour members reportedly met in Edinburgh to discuss plans for Scottish self-determination, while the group Labour for Independence said they had been “absolutely inundated” with members wanting to get involved.

Despite this, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard reiterated that the party was opposed to a separate Scottish state.

Speaking to the BBC, the party leader said supporting backing for a second referendum would be dangerous for Labour, but said a “listening exercise” could take place to better understand the public’s views.

Meanwhile, a Glasgow MP who lost his seat on Thursday has said Labour could consider a multichoice question on Scotland’s role in the union.

Paul Sweeney, who lost out to the SNP in Glasgow North East, said: “Independence is presented with a great amount of risk.

“I don’t necessarily agree it is the best outcome for Scotland but we cannot tolerate the status quo any more.”

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