WEST Dunbartonshire Council will write to the UK Government asking them to transfer the relevant powers to the Scottish Parliament to facilitate a second independence referendum.

A motion by leader of the council, Jonathan McColl, presented at last week’s full council, urged the Prime Minister to respect the right of the Scottish people and allow their views to be heard.

It states: “Given the range of circumstances that have changed since the independence referendum held more than half a decade ago, West Dunbartonshire Council supports the right of our constituents and everyone living in Scotland to choose their future in a new independence referendum.”

Addressing members, he said: “It is undeniable that the Prime Minister and his government is denying the people of Scotland the right to have their voice heard which is an absolute disgrace.

“The people of Scotland have the right to determine their future. The situation has changed. You hear UK politicians say that the last independence referendum was a once in a generation vote, but we have been brought out of the EU against our will.

“The promises of more money and delegated powers to Scotland were a lie. People have the right to vote again given the change in circumstances.”

Leven councillor Jim Bollan, of the Community Party, said the decision was about democracy not nationalism or unionism.

He added: “I am a socialist. I would love to see a united Ireland and an independent Scotland but there is more to this. This is about our right to choose after the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

“Brexit was a game changer and I believe that the first vote should be discounted as the playing field has changed dramatically.”

The Labour party moved an amendment to note the motion but take no further action. Conservative councillor Sally Page agreed with the amendment.

She said: “Five years ago we confirmed the future of our country. The SNP has received more power and money – some of which remains unused.

“If we concentrate on our job we can improve council services and education. There should be facilities to tackle the drug addiction crisis we face.”

Following the debate 12 members voted for the motion, councillor Page voted for the amendment and all Labour councillors present abstained – refusing to vote for their own amendment.