Scottish Labour hopeful Joe Fagan says he won’t block a second independence vote
Joe Fagan, a candidate for Scottish Labour leader, said he does not support another independence referendum but would not oppose one if the Scottish people demand it.
In the final week before Scottish Labour announces its new leader, candidate Joe Fagan told the Press Association that he does not back a second independence referendum, yet he would not obstruct one should the Scottish electorate clearly demand it. He argued that the debate should focus on whether a referendum is legitimate under one outlet circumstances and emphasized the need for a consensus reflecting the settled will of the people.
Fagan attributed the party’s historic decline in Holyrood seats - now just 17 MSPs - largely to the leadership of Keir Starmer, noting that a new UK prime minister is attempting to rebuild the party. He warned that Labour must present a bolder, more ambitious policy platform that resonates with working-class voters across Scotland. The leadership contest, featuring Michael Marra and Fagan, will close on Friday with results expected Saturday.
Why it matters
The stance of a potential Scottish Labour leader on independence influences the party’s position in a key constitutional debate.
How this story developed
- Sep 12 Pro-independence leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set to sign breakup pact in Cardiff
- Sep 13 The leaders are presenting the Cardiff gathering as a party‑leader dialogue rather than a formal inter‑governmental summit.
- Sep 13 Mary Lou McDonald attended the Cardiff signing and DUP deputy Emma Little‑Pengelly denied O’Neill’s authority to represent Northern Ireland’s first‑ministerial office.
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