Jeremy Corbyn backs IndyRef2 and admits UK could already have been split up if he was PM
Jeremy Corbyn said he wanted to see a new Scottish Independence vote 'soon'
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Jeremy Corbyn has given his backing to a new Scottish independence referendum, adding that one would already have taken place if he won the last general election.
The former Labour leader said that it was a "democratic right" for Scots to be able to vote again on whether they want to remain a part of the UK.
The Islington North MP made the comments while speaking at the Edinburgh Fringe.
He said: "I do support the principle of having a referendum and I hope that happens soon.
Jeremy Corbyn made the comments at the Edinburgh Fringe
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"I suspect the British Government will try and oppose it - I hope that a Labour majority would also support a referendum.
"I think it's a democratic right to decide your own future."
Reiterating that a referendum could have taken place by the end of 2021 had Labour won the last general election, he added: "My view is that if the people of Scotland want that referendum to defend their future, then they should have that right.
"I don't think there should be a power of veto by the UK Government or the UK Prime Minister on this.
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"I made clear before the 2019 election that if we went into Government we would be accepting of the principle that if Scotland wanted a referendum after two years, that would be what we would agree to do - that's what I said at the time and that's what I stand by."
The SNP-led Scottish government has continued to pile pressure on Westminster to give consent for a fresh vote on the issue, less than 10 years after the last referendum on independence.
Polling conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies earlier this month suggested that 48 per cent of Scots want to remain a part of the UK, compared to the 45 per cent who want to leave.
Just 41 per cent back a vote being held in the next 12 months, virtually tied with the 40 per cent who are against such a timetable.
SNP leader Humza Yousaf has vowed to use the next general election as a proxy vote on independence
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SNP leader Humza Yousaf has vowed to use the next general election as a proxy vote on independence after the Government rejected attempts to hold a new ballot on the issue.
He said: "We will put the simple proposition to the people in a general election because a referendum is being denied to us.
"If we win that general election we will then negotiate with the UK Government of how we give it democratic effect.
"If it is a referendum or simply the general election that is of course for the UK Government to determine because they have told us time and time again this is a voluntary union. If so then prove it."