CHANGE OF HEART

Labour veteran reveals he could back Scottish Independence because of Brexit despite fighting to keep the Union

Britain’s longest-serving MEP, David Martin, said he can’t rule out voting Yes in a second ballot

A SCOTTISH Labour veteran has revealed he could back independence because of Brexit.

David Martin said he can’t rule out voting Yes in a second ballot despite fighting to keep the Union in 2014.

And in a move set to rile party chiefs, Mr Martin Britain’s longest-serving MEP, insisted Scots leader Richard Leonard was wrong to oppose IndyRef2.

He said: “If we leave without a deal and it’s a complete crisis, then I think that does edge a vote towards independence.

"If we leave in a civilised, constructive manner then it starts to depend on future trading relationships.

“What worries me is whether England is becoming more inward-looking.

"I did campaign hard for Scotland to remain part of the UK.

"But if we become insular that would make me reassess.”

Mr Leonard’s stand came after UK leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would decide whether to allow IndyRef2 if he got to No10.

Mr Martin, set to retire in March, added: “If there is a mood for a second referendum, the Scottish people should have a right to make a decision.

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