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Agence France-Presse

The Scottish government will introduce legislation “shortly” as a first step towards another independence referendum to be held by 2021, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Wednesday.
“We will shortly introduce legislation to set the rules for any referendum,” the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader told lawmakers in Edinburgh.
She said she hoped the legislation would be agreed by the end of 2019.
Her government aims to “give people a choice on independence” from the United Kingdom before the end of the current term of parliament expires in May 2021.
Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom during a 2014 referendum by a margin of 55 per cent to 45 per cent, but the country’s vote to leave the European Union in 2016 spurred independence campaigners to demand another vote.

Under the plan, the Scottish government would request a “section 30 order” from the British government, which would involve a temporary transfer of power from Westminster to the Edinburgh to allow the referendum to go ahead.
“We do not need a transfer of power, such as a section 30 order, to pass such a framework bill, although we would need it to put beyond doubt or challenge our ability to apply the bill to an independence referendum,” she said.
Some pro-independence supporters have urged Sturgeon to call for an immediate vote, but British Prime Minister Theresa May has already said she would not agree to such a request.
Europeans rebuff Scottish leader’s plea to stay in the EU
“I believe that position will prove to be unsustainable,” said Sturgeon.
“By making progress with primary legislation first, we won’t squander valuable time now in a stand-off with the UK government that may soon be out of office,” she explained of her timing.
The Scottish government would instead seek a section 30 order “at an appropriate point during or shortly after the bill’s passage”, she added.
﻿Watch: Nicola Sturgeon on Scottish independence and Hong Kong in 2015




Around six in 10 Scots voted to stay in the European Union, and Sturgeon hopes that some of those who voted to stay in the United Kingdom might change their vote in another referendum in order to maintain membership of the EU.
But the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, which has been put back to October 31 as MPs try and reach agreement over the divorce deal, has also hampered plans for another independence referendum.
“To rush into an immediate decision before a Brexit path is determined would not allow for an informed choice to be made,” said the SNP leader.
Support for Scottish independence rises due to Brexit
While polls show some pro-EU voters have swung behind the independence cause, a similar amount of pro-Brexit supporters have moved in the other direction, and overall support remains close to 2014 levels.
Sturgeon hopes that dissatisfaction with London’s handling of Brexit could tip the balance.
“The Westminster system of government simply does not serve Scotland’s interests,” she said.
“The status quo is broken. Serious change is needed,” added the first minister.


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Britain

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon calls for second independence vote by 2021 as Brexit looms for UK

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks in the Scottish Parliament. Photo: Reuters

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon makes a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Brexit and a second independence referendum, at Holyrood, central Edinburgh on April 24, 2019. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

20,000 rally for Scottish independence as Brexit looms

Voters in Scotland backed remaining in the EU by a significant margin in a 2016 referendum

'All Under One Banner' pro-independence protesters take part in a march and rally in Edinburgh, Scotland October 6, 2018. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

'Pro-independence protesters marching in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

Support for Scottish independence rises due to Brexit

FILE PHOTO: A supporter of the "Yes" campaign reacts in George Square after the referendum on Scottish independence in Glasgow, Scotland September 19, 2014. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton/File Photo

A handout photo from the Scottish Parliament where it is officially register its opposition to the British government's march towards Brexit. Photo: AFP

News

World

Europe

Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom during a 2014 referendum by a margin of 55 per cent to 45 per cent


Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom during a 2014 referendum by a margin of 55 per cent to 45 per cent.


Brexit

Theresa May

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon calls for second independence vote by 2021 as Brexit looms for UK

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom during a 2014 referendum by a margin of 55 per cent to 45 per cent

Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom during a 2014 referendum by a margin of 55 per cent to 45 per cent