Indyref2 demands perfectly reasonable with pro-independence majority – Flynn

Calls for a second independence referendum in Scotland are “perfectly reasonable”, Stephen Flynn has said as Holyrood now has its highest-ever number of MSPs who support independence.

Speaking on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News, he said the people of Scotland should have the “opportunity to decide their own future”.

He said: “I think it’s perfectly reasonable based upon the result of the election where, as you quite rightly highlighted, we now have more pro-independent MSPs coming into Holyrood than ever before.

“To make clear to Westminster that the people of Scotland should have the chance and the opportunity to decide their own future.

“To look at broken, Brexit Britain or look at a hopeful, aspirational, independent Scotland, which can grow its economy, use its energy wealth to the benefit of the people who live here, and be a prosperous place for our young people.”

Mr Flynn won a seat in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, taking the constituency of Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine.

The Aberdeen South MP will now step down from Westminster to take up his seat at Holyrood.

The SNP had said throughout the election campaign that if it won an overall majority, it would call for a second independence referendum.

The SNP did not win a majority, but the election result means the Scottish Parliament now has 73 pro-independence MSPs when the Scottish Greens are included.

Mr Flynn said Westminster must “wake up to the reality that they now face” as Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have voted in nationalist parties.

He said: “It’s not just in Scotland where that is very much on the table. I was listening to Rhun (ap Iorwerth) who’s the likely incoming first minister in Wales.

“We’re obviously aware of the fact that Michelle O’Neill is the First Minister in Northern Ireland too. The constitutional landscape within the UK has been shattered, and it’s time for Westminster to wake up to the reality that they now face.”