[ad_1]
The Mayor of Greater Manchester compared the SNP’s push for a second vote on separation with June’s ban on non-essential travel between Scotland and Greater Manchester. A furious row broke out between the Labour Mayor and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after people were banned from travelling in and out of Scotland from Greater Manchester due to soaring cases of the delta variant of COVID-19.
Mr Burnham erupted in anger over the move and claimed the Scottish Government had not consulted local leaders about the restrictions and branded the travel ban “unnecessary”.
He accused the Scottish Government of “hypocrisy” for imposing the ban and threatened to take the Scottish Government to court on behalf of businesses and individuals affected.
Scotland’s Health Secretary Humza Yousaf removed the measures just weeks later.
Referring to the travel ban when talking about IndyRef2, Mr Burnham told a Labour Conference fringe event for Scottish members: “It was the first real taste of what an independent Scotland would feel like.
“We’ve got to talk about the north of England and Scotland working together.
“Nationalism of any kind is never a force for good in the long-run in politics.
“I just believe that, you know, it’s about dividing people it’s about saying some are better than others.”
Graham Simpson MSP, Scottish Conservative Transport spokesperson, added: “These cross-border travel restrictions were imposed with little notice, with no thought on the effect it would have on businesses, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
READ MORE: EU accused of ‘kicking’ politicians around ‘like a football’
Mr Sarwar also took aim at the SNP’s record of government, adding: “Trade unionists in their workplaces, activists in their communities, every person in this hall… we already have a progressive alliance – it is called the Labour Party.
“And let’s judge the SNP on their record. Attainment gap – widening. Child poverty – growing. Waiting times – getting longer.
“And the heartbreaking scandal of the highest drugs death rate in Europe.
“A progressive party would roll up its sleeves.
“Instead, the SNP blame Westminster, and carrying on campaigning for the only thing that matters to them – independence.”
[ad_2]
