Local Labour stalwarts say Scottish independence ‘inevitable’ following Brexit vote

IN A momentous week in UK politics that saw Prime Minister Theresa May set the Brexit process in motion while the Scottish Parliament gave the SNP minority government a mandate to seek a second independence referendum, Shetland News asked two local observers what they made of it all.

Both broadcaster Tom Morton and retiring councillor Drew Ratter have been Labour party members for decades and both have been known to be staunch supporters of the union.

But in light of historic changes in national and international politics, both have radically altered their views. Morton says he now backs independence despite the economic risks, while Ratter views Scotland going it alone as being “inevitable”.

Here they discuss their disappointment with Labour at both UK and Scottish levels, the coming of an independent Scotland, their frustration with Brexit and the Common Fisheries Policy.