Blair McDougall compares independence debate to death penalty

Blair McDougall, a Labour MP representing East Renfrewshire, made a controversial comparison between the debate over Scottish independence and the death penalty. He argued that both topics evoke strong emotions but are ultimately secondary to the pressing issues that voters care about during elections. McDougall's remarks were aimed at countering claims from senior figures in the Scottish National Party (SNP), who suggested that the growing support for independence among younger demographics indicated that secession from the UK was becoming inevitable. He emphasized that constitutional matters are not the primary concern for most voters, suggesting a shift in focus towards more immediate and relevant issues. This perspective reflects a broader sentiment within the Labour Party, which seeks to address the concerns of the electorate rather than engage in what they perceive as divisive constitutional debates.