SNP Constitution Secretary Mike Russell MSP told the Australian High Commissioner that a divisive second referendum on leaving the UK would be held in 2021, it has been reported today.
Minutes of the meeting in November - revealed in a Freedom of Information request made by the Scottish Conservatives - show the question of timing was raised.
“Mike Russell confirmed he would hope a second referendum could be held by end 2021,” the minutes state.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said:
“This is reckless talk from Mike Russell with a foreign government.
“No serious politician would even contemplate holding a divisive second independence referendum any time soon.
“The SNP should drop its obsession with dividing people and work to bring communities together as we recover from the pandemic.
“By working with our largest trading market and closest friends and neighbours to build a successful future in the UK, we are stronger together.”
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