Holyrood delays vote on IndyRef 2 after Westminster attack

A HOLYROOD vote expected to back Nicola Sturgeon’s calls for a second Scottish independence referendum has been put on hold following the terror attack in Westminster.

The Scottish Parliament suspended business in the wake of the incident at the Houses of Parliament, where an attacker stabbed a policeman before being shot by officers.

MSPs had been due to vote on whether the Scottish Government should seek discussions with the Conservative administration at Westminster on the details of a section 30 order – the legal mechanism that would allow a second independence ballot to be held.

But with business in Holyrood suspended, that will now take place later.

First Minister Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts are with everyone in and around Westminster caught up in this dreadful incident – and with the brave emergency services.”

Holyrood Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh took the decision to suspend business amid calls from some members for the debate to be stopped out of respect.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser had earlier asked for a halt to the debate but was told by deputy presiding officer Linda Fabiani it would continue.

Mr Macintosh later told the chamber: “Members will be aware, and members of the public too will probably be aware from social media and other news reports they are following on their phones, that there’s been a serious incident at Westminster and Westminster itself has been locked down because of security concerns.

“I’ve certainly no wish to cause undue alarm here and security has been increased here, but I’m also aware and the business manager and I have discussed this, that the fact that our sister Parliament has had a serious incident is affecting this particular debate and is affecting the contribution of members and so it is for that reason we are deciding to suspend the sitting.

“We will resume this debate and we will be able to do so in a full and frank manner, but I think to continue at the moment would not allow members to make their contributions in the manner they wish to.”

The decision was welcomed by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who tweeted: “Very pleased that sense has won the day and Holyrood has been suspended until we have a better understanding of what is going on in WM.”

Some MSPs had earlier walked out of the debate, with Conservative MSP Fin Carson tweeting: “I have left chamber. I can’t understand how this debate can go on. At least a suspension would have shown some respect.”

An email issued to MSPs, staff and Holyrood pass-holders from the Scottish Parliament chief executive’s office said: “We are aware of a developing situation at Westminster this afternoon and are monitoring matters very closely.

“While there is no intelligence to suggest there is a specific threat to Scotland, Edinburgh or Holyrood, we have increased security with immediate effect at the Scottish Parliament as a precaution.

“In the meantime, we would ask all building users to be vigilant whilst going about business and also when leaving or coming to Parliament.”