Frank Field declares Scotland will become independent – and leaves Alex Salmond speechless A senior Labour MP has rendered Alex Salmond speechless after declaring on live television that he believed Scotland will eventually become […]

A senior Labour MP has rendered Alex Salmond speechless after declaring on live television that he believed Scotland will eventually become an independent country.

Frank Field, the former Labour minister who is campaigning for the UK to leave the EU, wrongfooted Mr Salmond when he said Scotland was “another country” and that it was only a matter of time before voters decided it should become independent.

During a discussion about the EU with the former SNP leader on the BBC’s Daily Politics programme on Tuesday, Mr Field said:

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“I think Scotland is another country and I actually do think we will move to a position where you have independence”

“I think Scotland is another country and I actually do think we will move to a position where you have independence.” Clearly taken aback, Mr Salmond replied: “You have totally disarmed me with that proposal, which of course I have to support.”

Mr Field’s comments were immediately seized upon by the Scottish Conservative party, which has been campaigning strongly against a second independence referendum ahead of next week’s Holyrood election in the hope of luring voters away from Labour, which has taken a softer stance.

Dugdale forced to clarify views

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale was forced to clarify her views on the issue after saying in an interview it was “not inconceivable” that she would vote in favour of independence if the UK decided to leave the EU against the will of Scots, while Mary Lockhart, the party’s candidate for Mid Scotland and Fife, has said she would “certainly” campaign for independence.

“Here is a senior Labour figure predicting the break-up of Britain. It’s yet more evidence of the party’s weakness on keeping the UK together,” said Scottish Tory chief whip John Lamont of Mr Field’s comments. “The two million people who voted No don’t want supposedly pro-UK parties to promote independence, or lie back and watch while their members campaign for separation.”