Watch: Reform MSPs storm out of Holyrood chamber over independence debate
The Reform MSPs left the Holyrood chamber in protest to a debate taking place on Scottish independence
Malcolm Offord has marched his Reform MSPs out of the Holyrood chamber after his attempt for John Swinney’s debate on independence to be cancelled was rejected.
Before Mr Swinney was able to get to his feet to begin his debate on Scotland’s right to choose it’s future, Lord Offord raised a point of order, calling for the debate to be cancelled.
The Reform UK Scotland leader called on presiding officer, Kenny Gibson to bin off the debate, arguing the constitution is reserved to Westminster and would be “inappropriate” to be talked about at Holyrood.
“So is immigration”, SNP minister Alison Thewliss harked back at Lord Offord.
“Er, no”, Mr Gibson told him.
He added: “This is a parliament and it’s free to debate any issue it wishes.”
Following speeches by Mr Swinney and new Scottish Labour leader, Michael Marra, Lord Offord took to his feet to take part in the debate.
He argued that the debate was “not just a farce” but was “an insult to the Scottish electorate” who expect improvements to public services.
Lord Offord added: “I asked, under standing orders, to have this debate ruled ultra vires.
“As that did not happen, Reform won’t engage further in these pointless proceedings.
“We didn’t come into this parliament to waste our time on vanity projects and therefore I withdraw my amendment and we will exit from the chamber.”
As the Reform MSPs left the chamber, Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer, who was due to speak next to the debate, said: “I hope the Parliament Arms across the road have got extra staff on this afternoon.”
“I get the impression they might be busy”, he added.
SNP MSP, George Adam, said:"I'm sure this was a seismic stunt in Malcolm’s mind, but truthfully nobody batted an eyelid - though at least unlike Reform conference, Malcolm was able to leave the building without being manhandled.”
Speaking to journalists after storming out of the chamber, Lord Offord, apparently not appreciating the irony, branded the independence debate “a stunt” and “a gimmick”.
“We’re not interested in that”, he added. “We’re the new party. We are sending a message saying we want Holyrood focused on the day job.”
Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay, accused Reform of engaging in “silly stunts”.
Earlier, Mr Swinney argued there has now been an “explicit acknowledgment” from Westminster that the people of Scotland have a right to choose whether they remain part of the UK, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s now walked-back remarks suggesting a referendum could take place is support for separation increases.
Mr Swinney claimed this was the UK government “finally recognising how unsustainable how the recent Westminster position has been”.
The SNP leader called for “meaningful discussion about where power lies across these islands” with the UK government.
Mr Marra argued that the SNP’s “priority isn’t really independence”, adding that “it’s not even securing another referendum”.
He said: “This debate is about managing the First Minister’s party, not leading this country.”
The Scottish Labour leader claimed that “there has always been a route to another referendum”.
“Build a case through honest deliberation and careful compromise to allow the prosecution of the argument”, he said. “Build a coalition of those seeking change.
“Build a consensus—a settled will of the Scottish people— and make it overwhelming.
“That is how the case for devolution was made and was won. No one can seriously suggest that, since 2014, that work has been done by those in positions to do it.”
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