michael

Shift online raises prospect of move towards independence referendum

VOTERS WHO OPPOSED Scottish independence less than two years ago have reversed their opinion in shock following the vote of the UK to leave the European Union.

Scotland voted strongly in favour of continuing membership within the EU – but saw its result overturned by a vote to Leave in the rest of the UK.

As a result, No voters took to Twitter and Facebook to say they had changed their mind on whether Scotland should take control of its own decisions.

One of the most emotional was lawyer Katy Melvin who said: “I would have laid down my life for the Union yesterday. Joined SNP an hour ago.”

@GrayInGlasgow @AngusMacNeilSNP I would have laid down my life for the Union yesterday. Joined SNP an hour ago. — Katie (@Katy_Melvin) June 24, 2016

One of the most remarkable changes in tone was from author J. K. Rowling, who bankrolled the campaign against independence with £1m. She said the vote to leave the EU would lead to Scottish independence, and that No voters would now be reconsidering their opposition.

Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen. https://t.co/4MDj7pndcq — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

@BBCJamesCook "Staunch opponent" implies I was pro-union no matter what, which was never the case. Many no voters will think again now. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Many others agreed.

In 2014, I voted No. @NicolaSturgeon and @theSNP please save my future, please let me vote again. — Chris Marland (@CRMarland) June 24, 2016

I was firmly in the "No" camp for the Scottish Referendum, but England have proven their idiocy. Complete support for #IndyRef2. — 12th. (@_The12thMan) June 24, 2016

I was the biggest #BetterTogether voter ever. @NicolaSturgeon show us the new way — Katie (@Katy_Melvin) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow If Scotland is guaranteed EU membership – I will 100% vote for independence — Jane (@janeyotweets) June 24, 2016

Independent Scotland over a Little England. And I was a member of the Better Together Campaign #indyref2 #EURefResults — John McKee (@John_McKee) June 24, 2016

Thanks Michael, this is sad for me. But England has left Scotland, not the other way around. https://t.co/XIZU19Hra2 — John McKee (@John_McKee) June 24, 2016

Well it's official. Leave just passed the winning post. And I now support Scottish Independence. #EUref — Daniel Wilkes (@dan_wilkes) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow I was No, now 100% yes — Stephen D (@stephend_1) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow Early days, but if we were to have another indy ref tomorrow, I would be voting yes, when I was a staunch no voter until yday — Graham McCusker (@NotPeterAndre) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow I was vehemently anti-indy in 2014, however, your cause has just gained a new supporter now. — Harry Chapman (@Harry_Chapman) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow @colinkelly yes I will b changing my view labour party an absolute shambles,useless and ineffective leadership. — Martin Mcnaughton (@ms_mcnaughton) June 24, 2016

Looks like I will be voting for Scottish Independence after all!! And in the not too distant future. — Jim Taylor (@j_ntay) June 24, 2016

Although I originally voted against Scottish Independence, if there's another referendum looming I may actually vote leave… — Emily (@EmilyMattinson) June 24, 2016

I was a no voter in the Scottish independence referendum and I will hold my hands up and say that I am starting to regret it — eryn⭐️ (@erynstewart_) June 24, 2016

If we are out of the European Union I'm voting for Scottish independence – can't be part of a right wing anti-European state — Mike Dailly (@mikedailly) June 24, 2016

Voted no last time but fuck it may as well vote yes in a 2nd Scottish independence referendum — Craig McWhinnie♠️ (@RabidRockMonkey) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow I was No but I Would 110% Vote Yes next time — Jennifer O'Neill (@jenniefirtree) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow Voted No and voted Labour in the last election. Just joined the SNP — P€T€ C0$T€LL0 (@PeteMartin67) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow Northern Irish living in Scotland – was a No supporter until this morning. — Matthew Forsythe (@BabylonYoghurt) June 24, 2016

Others reported friends contacting them to say they had changed their mind to support independence.

Britain is dead. It's vapid act of fuckwittery has pushed some of my most Unionist friends to favour Scottish indy. Thanks a fucking bunch. — Graeme Cowie (@woodstockjag) June 24, 2016

Unionist friend sent me a message. 'You can tweet your pal Sturgeon and let her know she's got two more votes.' — Cryogenic Burns (@ScottishBeav) June 24, 2016

@GrayInGlasgow @MrJohnNicolson @John_McKee You are not alone. I've had seven no voters saying same thing, we must go for it. — Bob Tomlinson (@BobT42) June 24, 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that moves are now underway towards holding a referendum on independence.

Picture courtesy of Kyoshi Masamune