Inside the government’s plan to avoid another Scottish independence referendum

At first glance, Alister Jack’s offer looks like a hostage to fortune, but by appearing to be open to allowing such a vote the government hopes to make one less likely, writes Andrew Grice

The government must consider a petition opposing a second Scottish independence referendum

Alister Jack, the Scotland secretary, has suggested the government would allow a second referendum on independence if opinion polls show that six in 10 Scots favour one.

He told the Politico website: “If you consistently saw 60 per cent of the population wanting a referendum – not wanting independence but wanting a referendum – and that was sustained over a reasonably long period, then I would acknowledge that there was a desire for a referendum.”

Although Mr Jack insisted “that’s not where we are”, his offer at first glance looks like a hostage to fortune; it would be impossible to deny a referendum if the Scottish National Party met the government’s target. His remarks also raised eyebrows since Boris Johnson appears under no immediate pressure to offer a public vote. Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP seems to have lost some momentum since May’s elections when the Scottish parliament returned a pro-independence majority.