Election17: Morton calls for a halt to Indyref2 plans

AS SNP MSPs appealed for support from European politicians for Indyref2 this week a Moray councillor seeking re-election has hit out at their plans.

SNP MSPs met with a group of Members of the European Parliament from throughout Europe, telling them that their backing for Indyref2 would help ensure “Scotland’s voice is not ignored”.

The response was a letter of support signed by 50 European politicians from ten EU nations indicating that an Independent Scotland would be “most welcome” as a full member of the EU if that was the route Scotland chose to follow.

However, one of the leaders of the ‘No’ campaign in the last Independence Referendum in Moray, Sean Morton, has hit out at the plans, saying: “I have spent the last five years fighting cuts imposed on Moray by the government.

“If I can find a way to stop a single penny being cut from schools, hospitals and social care I will. I do not think it is fair to cut good services and sack staff just so Nicola Sturgeon can have another shot at separation. We simply cannot afford another referendum.

“That is why I will file a motion the day I’m re-elected that makes it clear Moray Council is against a second referendum.

“We had this debate – it was divisive and depressing for the silent majority. It was, as a wise woman once said, “a once in a lifetime opportunity” to have our say.

“Scotland spoke. Scotland said No. 58% of people right here in Moray said No. The first minister and her local fans need to hear it loud and clear from the new Moray Council – No means No.”

Councillor Morton is contesting the Fochabers/Lhanbryde seat as an Independent candidate.

Other candidates contesting the ward are: David Bremner (SNP), Donald Cameron (Scottish Lib Dem), Kenneth Gillespie (Independent), Peter Horton (Scottish Lib Dem), Marc Macrae (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Shona Morrison (SNP), Ian Taylor (Independent).