British premier says he is not ignoring democracy regarding Scottish referendum question

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said "absolutely not" Friday when asked if he ignores democracy concerning the outcome of a de-facto Scottish referendum.

Sunak, who is in Scotland as part of his first visit as prime minister, was asked repeatedly in an interview with STV News political editor Colin MacKay about his stance against a possible outcome of a de-facto independence referendum.

The prime minister tried to answer the question by mentioning his conversations with residents in Scotland before MacKay told Sunak he is ignoring the question about the country’s constitutional future.

"When it comes to a general election, people will make up their own minds what they want to vote on, right? So, it’s not really for me to talk about that," said Sunak.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in November that the government would treat the next general election as a de facto referendum on Scotland’s independence.

Her remarks came after the UK Supreme Court's ruled that the Scottish parliament cannot legislate for a second independence referendum without prior approval from the national UK government.

After Sunak's reply, MacKay said: "It sounds like you’re ignoring the mandate of the Scottish Parliament," and asked again if he is ignoring democracy.

"Absolutely not," replied Sunak, adding he respects the Supreme Court's decision.

"What we are doing is delivering for people here in Scotland and now obviously the Scottish government tried to put forward something which the Supreme Court said it was not appropriate. I respect the decision of the Supreme Court and in the here and now, I think what people in Scotland want is for us to make a difference to their lives," he added.