Is there a democratic mandate for an independence referendum?
In the 2011 Holyrood election a majority of MSPs were elected on a manifesto pledge of holding an independence referendum. Every opposition Westminster party accepted that result.
In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election a greater majority of MSPs were elected on a manifesto pledge of holding an independence referendum.
If the Westminster parties believe that the 2011 election result was a mandate for an independence referendum, then it is only logical and fair that the 2021 election result means more people in Scotland have voted for a referendum. It is both hypocritical and undemocratic to deny there is a mandate.
If the SNP wins a majority of the seats at the General Election in Scotland, this will be taken as a mandate for the Scottish Government to begin immediate negotiations with the UK government to give democratic effect to Scotland becoming an independent country.
If the Westminster parties believe a simple majority of House of Commons seats is a mandate for UK governments to make changes like Brexit, then it logically follows that it is a mandate of the people of Scotland.