TWO Nats veterans launched a twin attack on Nicola Sturgeon’s claim she will hold IndyRef2 this year.

Newly elected MP and former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill insisted the chances of a 2020 vote were “nil”.

3 Nats veterans launched an attack on Nicola Sturgeon’s claim she will hold IndyRef2 this year Credit: PA:Press Association

3 Jim Sillars said the First Minister was 'playing to the gallery' Credit: Alamy

3 Kenny MacAskill said the chances of a 2020 vote were 'nil' Credit: Alamy Live News

Ex-SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars said the First Minister was “playing to the gallery” while leading Nats activists “up the garden path”.

The pair’s criticisms came in separate articles for the Scottish Left Review.

Mr MacAskill said there “must and will be” debate on a second referendum, and welcomed “signs of change” in Scottish Labour’s opposition to a re-run of 2014.

But he said: “In any event, the likelihood of a referendum in the short-term is slim. Indeed, more likely nil.

“That additional time is no bad thing given the failure to resolve critical issues from 2014 or to have restored the campaigning machine that was so effective back then.”

In a blast at the “democratic outrage” of the Tories refusing another vote, he added: “Demands for a second referendum, of course, must still be made . . . seeking to have both the powers and timing rest with Holyrood is correct.”

Mr MacAskill urged the SNP to work with other parties to “build on anger” in Scotland towards Boris Johnson’s Government.

And Mr Sillars wrote: “Everyone with any political nous knows that Nicola’s demand for IndyRef2 in 2020 is play acting to up the grudge feeling when Johnson says no.

“How the activist gallery to which she is playing don’t see they are being led up the garden path beats me.”

The long-term eurosceptic also slated Ms Sturgeon’s anti-Brexit focus in the run-up to the election last month.

He said: “The SNP sought ‘remainer’ Unionist votes, thus undermining the claim to have a mandate for IndyRef2.”

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Nats leader Ms Sturgeon pledged in her New Year message to “ensure people in Scotland have the chance to determine our own future” in 2020.

An SNP spokesman said: “In line with repeated election mandates received from the people of Scotland, a referendum should be held before the end of 2020 with the precise timing a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

“Scotland’s future should be in Scotland’s hands — not those of Boris Johnson.”

chris.musson@the-sun.co.uk

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