TRADE UNIONS URGE LABOUR TO LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE ON INDEPENDENCE

SCOTLAND'S trade union movement has backed the country's right to hold a second independence referendum should the controversial power grab bill be passed in Westminster against Scotland's wishes.

The stance taken by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) emerged in a briefing sent by the organisation to MSPs on whether the country's parliament should consent to the legislation.

It said that should parliament refuse to back the bill and the UK Government pressed on with it, that "makes the case for a second independence referendum unanswerable."

The STUC briefing set out why it was opposed to the bill which as well breaking international law also aims to create a common standard of rules across the UK once powers return from the EU to Westminster.

Its measures have already been criticised by farmers, education bodies, parliament committees and academics as a risk to devolution and food standards.

The STUC note was shared by MSP Ross Greer on social media last night.

"The STUC is strongly opposed to the internal market bill, which would limit the ability of the Scottish Parliament to influence public policy and represents an attack on devolution," it said.

"Specifically the STUC's concern mainly relates to state aid, the market access commitment and intergovernmental relations. Should the UK Government proceed with the bill against the wishes of the Scottish Parliament it makes the case for a second independence referendum unanswerable."

Mr Greer said: "Today the Scottish TUV voice of half a million trade unionists in Scotland once again defended this country's right to self-determination." He added: "Predictably, [elected] Scottish Labour members are now attacking them for it."

The Government confirmed last week that it will recommend parliament should refuse to give its consent for legislation. In a debate and vote today MSPs are expected to deny consent.

Ahead of the vote, Scotland's Constitutional Affairs Secretary Michael Russell said: “This is a defining moment that will determine both the future of the Scottish Parliament and whether or not the UK can be described as a partnership of equal nations.”

UK Government ministers have already accepted that the controversial Bill breaches international law, and Mr Russell added, it would be “equally outrageous if they also decided to break the constitutional convention that the London Parliament does not legislate in devolved areas without the consent of the Scottish Parliament”.

Britain's Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, has already admitted that the British Government plans to press ahead with the legislation – regardless of whether it has the backing of the Scottish Parliament or not.

Mr Russell added: “The UK’s established constitutional rules mean that the consent of the Scottish Parliament is required for the UK Government’s Internal Market Bill to proceed.

“If the Parliament refuses to grant consent then that should kill the Bill stone dead. It will demonstrate beyond all doubt that the UK Government does not believe the UK to be a partnership of equals.”