U.K.’s Tories Start War Gaming to Prevent Scottish Independence

  • The party is figuring out how to avoid another referendum
  • Memo from consultancy firm sets out strategy to fight SNP

Photographer: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

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Britain’s governing Conservatives are sketching out a strategy to counter rising support for Scottish independence, with a memo circulated to a select group of people including Cabinet minister Michael Gove, according to people familiar with the discussions taking place.

The document from a political consultancy firm that works closely with the party looks at tactics to delay and then avoid a referendum in the event of a majority for the pro-independence Scottish National Party in next May’s elections, an outcome that looks increasingly likely.