BBC ANY QUESTIONS: SNP VP faces backlash from public after explaining independence plans | Politics | News

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SNP MP Tommy Sheppard has been harassed by the BBC audience as he struggles to defend Scotland’s independence plans. Chris Mason, host of the BBC’s Any Question programme, took over Sheppard’s job after noting that “no one is debating whether Scotland can be independent”. The BBC host pointed to recent news this week that Scotland’s budget deficit has ballooned to 22.4 per cent.

A SNP spokesperson in Westminster said: “You can ask if Scotland should be independent.

“But I don’t think there is a debate about whether Scotland can be independent.

“Scotland is a country that ranks 14th in the world in terms of GDP, has a highly developed social and physical infrastructure, and enormous natural resources.”

Mr. Mason interrupted him: “However, you have a deficit of 22.4 per cent?”

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Mr Sheppard responded: “If Scotland cannot be an independent country, then no country in the world can afford independence.”

This provoked harassment and boos from the BBC audience, which was taking place in Hadenham Village Hall.

Mr Mason said: “However, you have a budget deficit of 22.4 per cent?

“You have to be closer to 3 per cent to join the European Union, which you are keen on.

The Scottish National Party and the Scottish Green Party agreed on Friday to hold an independence referendum during the first half of the five-year parliamentary session.

Nicola Sturgeon announced that SNP and Greens will collaborate in Holyrood in key areas such as the environment and economic development.

Kate Forbes, Scotland’s finance minister, insisted that the latest data on the deficit would not prevent the SNP from refocusing on independence after the coronavirus crisis.

“It is not an obstacle to defending the cause of independence because worldwide deficits have risen dramatically,” she said.

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