Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon at loggerheads over indyref2 and COP 26 as PM plays hardball with the SNP The leaders of the UK and Scotland have an antagonistic relationship – but the falling-out is not just for show

Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon have a lot in common. The two leaders have just recorded outstanding election results, have near-total control of their own party and are intent on pushing through major constitutional changes which will inscribe their names in the history books.

Just one black mark – both of them have lost their finance minister and scrambled to replace them with a young, inexperienced rising star.

But the similarities between the Prime Minister of the UK and the First Minister of Scotland have not helped them foster a good working relationship.

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The two are at loggerheads over a wide range of topics, of which by far the biggest are the prospect of a second independence referendum, and the COP 26 climate summit due to take place in Glasgow this November.

Divided kingdom

After Ms Sturgeon claimed a mandate for “indyref2” and wrote to Ms Johnson demanding the powers to call one, the Prime Minster took more than three weeks to reply, sending over a one-page note which can be summarised in one word: No.

Unlike other unionist parties at Westminster, which have opened the door to an independence vote in the next couple of years depending on the result of the Scottish Parliament election of 2021, the Conservatives are adamant there are no circumstances in which a second referendum can take place.



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On COP 26, the divisions are just as stark. The UK Government says the Scottish administration has no role to play in the event’s organisation because it relates to devolved policy, and Mr Johnson allegedly said he would let Ms Sturgeon get involved “over my f****** dead body”.

No 10 has also refused to shut down persistent rumours the conference could be moved from Glasgow to London.

Gamble on popularity of SNP

The falling-out is not just for show. The Prime Minister has refused to hold a single meeting or substantial conversation with Ian Blackford, SNP leader in the House of Commons, since he took over last July.

Senior Nationalists privately admit their dream of an independence referendum this year is now dead, but insist a vote next year after the Holyrood elections is still possible.

Mr Johnson’s hardline stance is based on a gamble that the SNP has now peaked: he hopes that if the party stumbles over the next year, not least in the wake of Alex Salmond’s upcoming sexual assault trial, he can stubborn out the storm clouds gathering north of the border.