Kezia Dugdale: I hope I never have to participate in another indyref

Kezia Dugdale has said she hopes to never take part in another independence referendum, claiming the arguments for splitting from the Union are for the past.

Speaking at the launch of her party’s manifesto in Edinburgh, the Scottish Labour leader refuted accusations the party’s position is unclear on the subject of independence.

The manifesto contains “an unequivocal statement” opposing a second referendum during the next parliament, she said. “I don’t want ever to participate in another referendum on independence,” Dugdale added.

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“I pulled a shift in that referendum. I spent two-and-a-half years making the case [for] why I believe Scotland is better placed in the United Kingdom, for economic reasons and reasons around tackling poverty and inequality. I feel just as strongly about that today as I did during the referendum.”

Dugdale told the launch event the Labour manifesto showed it was “a myth” that independence “was the only way to change things”.

She had previously been quoted as saying it was “not inconceivable” she would vote for independence if the UK voted to leave the EU while Scotland voted to remain.

Also, according to recent reports, Mid Scotland and Fife candidate Mary Lockhart has told supporters she will campaign for independence within the Labour party.

This has led to criticism from the Scottish Conservatives, who are hoping to replace Labour as Holyrood’s principal opposition.

Dugdale said: “I take real umbrage at any suggestion we can trust the Tories with the union. The Tories aren’t the friend of the union, they are the risk to the union.”

Today’s poll for STV News shows the Conservatives are poised to beat Labour into third.