Labour calls for independence debate

The Journal

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A leading Labour figure has suggested that a debate on independence within the Scottish Labour Party would be constructive.

Andy Kerr, finance spokesman for the party, has called for a "discussion in the party" on an independence referendum.

Other Labour figures are convinced that the SNP would lose an independence referendum were it to be held in the near future.

Support for independence currently stands at around 25 per cent, according to The Scotsman, while other polls - such as the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey - have estimated it to be even lower. Only a poll from The Telegraph last year has support for independence registered at over 50 per cent.

A former Labour minister, Allan Wilson, recently called for an immediate referendum that would "settle the constitutional debate and quash the economic uncertainty for at least 25 years."

As a former MSP, Allan Wilson does not hold as much influence as Andy Kerr, a leading front bencher.

Mr Kerr told the BBC Scotland's The Politics Show: "Certainly, if the polls are right, the key policy of independence is losing support right across the country.

"I am an admirer of Allan Wilson's and I think that what probably should happen is we have a discussion in the party about that very question. I would want to discuss that matter with other Shadow Cabinet colleagues."

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