Johnny Martin

I ignored nothing. Nobility doesn't equate or even infer superiority.

If you can find proof that the royal family consider their bloodlines to be superior and purer then I'll happily eat humble pie.

The hereditary system that's in place. Do you seriously think they reckon they've got superior, purer blood to the rest of the population? Apologies if you were joking and I've picked you up wrong.

They don't believe that though..

A significant but welcome change in tone from Massie. Wasn't that long ago Lesley Riddoch was acting like he was about to jump ship to Yes after Brexit. Then again, oor Lesley makes a lot of claims.

Northern Ireland is indeed part of Britain.

It doesn't need to be codified; it's just my opinion. If the government was to deny a referendum when it was obvious that a significant majority of Scots wanted independence for the long-term, then this would be morally wrong. Even a Unionist like myself would take issue with that.

I don't see why it's not on. A change as fundamental as breaking up the country deserves more than an opportunistic referendum held at a time that works best to get it just over the line, especially when it's a re-run. There should be evidence that Scots actually want it long-term. The SNP were never told majorities at Holyrood or within the Scottish MPs in Parliament would secure them IndyRef2. Decisions on referenda hasve never been within the remit of the devolved assembly. What's it going to take for democracy to be respected? The SNP to stop talking about the issue, thus respecting the 2014 decision, accepting it is settled as they said they would, and letting everyone move on with their lives. There's been constant chat about another referendum as soon as the last one was finished FFS. Another Northern Ireland? No thanks. Although, it seems that they are largely moving forward, albeit with hiccups here and there, whereas Scotland is moving backwards. Scottish politics is an utter embarrassment and I've never known it to be this polarised. The constitution dominates EVERYTHING.

If opinion polling was running at say 60% or above for a long time.. like a couple of years or something, then it'd be obvious that Scots had changed their mind for the long term, and the devolved assembly could ask for a section 30. This would be a long way off anyway, as we only had one eight years ago. Referenduma should be well spaced out - like 50 years or something.

I never said Scotland could unilaterally make decisions about leaving the UK.

Can't agree that the devolved assembly's lack of power to decide referenda means Scots can't establish independence if they want it. Scots voters and politicians have the same levers as everyone else, and can use them to try and achieve any goal they want. If a clear majority of Scots wanted a break away, say 60% or something, and it was sustained for a long time, then the pressure for a referendum would be huge and they'd get it one way or another. Part of democracy is respecting results, which isn't currently being done by those of a nationalist persuasion. The SNP has been highly irresponsible by including referendum promises in their Holyrood manifestos, as the issue has never been one for the devolved assembly. It'd be like a party getting voted into Renfrewshire council on the back of a promise to increase military spending, then screaming that democracy has been denied when they are ignored.

It has already been expressed.

Scotland can establish it's independence if it's people want it. Democracy is being upheld, not suppressed. We're only 8 years after the last referendum, and there's nothing to suggest any sustained majority to split up the country, but plenty evidence of the contrary. The only ones trying to suppress democracy are those who want to rerun a referendum on a settled issue.

Great result from the Supreme Court. Two important things have now been established beyond doubt: 1- Scotland is not a colony with the right to self-determination. 2- A Scottish election cannot deliver a mandate for an independence referendum.

I'm very surprised Gove ruled himself out as he was after the job for years. Does he have no clout within the party?

Seek help.