Scottish politicians vote to back a second independence referendum
Scottish politicians have narrowly voted in favour of a motion calling for a second referendum on independence.
The MSPs at Holyrood have voted by 64 to 54 in favour of a fresh vote ‘so that the people of Scotland can decide whether they wish to be an independent country’.
Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has insisted it is necessary as the only way that Scotland can be part of the EU.
She warned of the consequences of Brexit, saying: ‘Given what the Tories have in store, proposing a further decision on independence isn’t simply legitimate – it is necessary.’
Earlier this month Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to allow a second vote, saying the one in 2014 was a once-in-a-generation poll.
But Ms Sturgeon accused UK government ministers of being ‘completely deaf to Scotland’s interests, needs and voices.’
She added that their vision of the UK post-Brexit was ‘driven on the part of some by jingoism and xenophobia.’
Wednesday afternoon’s vote now calls on the UK government to reach an agreement with the Scottish government on when and how a new ballot will happen.
Two-thirds of voters in Scotland voted Remain in the Brexit referendum but they will still leave the EU with the rest of the UK on Friday.
Ms Sturgeon said this was enough to demand another independence vote because there had been a major ‘material change in circumstances.’
The First Minister said: ‘We stand just two days from losing our EU membership and all of the rights that go with it.
‘In my view it is beyond doubt now that the only realistic way for Scotland to return to the heart of Europe and to ensure we get the governments we vote for is to become an independent country.
‘What should be beyond any democratic argument, in light of the material change in circumstances that Brexit represents, is that it must be Scotland’s choice to make.
‘And it must be for this Parliament, not Westminster, to determine when and on what basis an independence referendum should take place.’
Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie claimed the SNP had ‘learned nothing from Brexit’.
He added: ‘Their answer to leaving an economic and social union of 40 years is to leave another closer, more tightly integrated union too. They are a party of barriers and division, when we need unity and collaboration more than ever.
‘While the SNP debate independence, we are seeing health, education and the police struggling to get by. This is the true cost of the SNP’s independence obsession.’
Pro-UK campaign group Scotland in Union branded the vote in Holyrood an attempt to ‘distract’ from current ‘failing public services.’
Chief executive Pamela Nash insisted: ‘The vast majority of people in Scotland do not want a divisive second independence referendum. Scotland deserves better.’
Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has insisted it is necessary as the only way that Scotland can be part of the EU.
She warned of the consequences of Brexit, saying: ‘Given what the Tories have in store, proposing a further decision on independence isn’t simply legitimate – it is necessary.’
Earlier this month Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to allow a second vote, saying the one in 2014 was a once-in-a-generation poll.
But Ms Sturgeon accused UK government ministers of being ‘completely deaf to Scotland’s interests, needs and voices.’
She added that their vision of the UK post-Brexit was ‘driven on the part of some by jingoism and xenophobia.’
Wednesday afternoon’s vote now calls on the UK government to reach an agreement with the Scottish government on when and how a new ballot will happen.
Two-thirds of voters in Scotland voted Remain in the Brexit referendum but they will still leave the EU with the rest of the UK on Friday.
Ms Sturgeon said this was enough to demand another independence vote because there had been a major ‘material change in circumstances.’
The First Minister said: ‘We stand just two days from losing our EU membership and all of the rights that go with it.
‘In my view it is beyond doubt now that the only realistic way for Scotland to return to the heart of Europe and to ensure we get the governments we vote for is to become an independent country.
‘What should be beyond any democratic argument, in light of the material change in circumstances that Brexit represents, is that it must be Scotland’s choice to make.
‘And it must be for this Parliament, not Westminster, to determine when and on what basis an independence referendum should take place.’
Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie claimed the SNP had ‘learned nothing from Brexit’.
He added: ‘Their answer to leaving an economic and social union of 40 years is to leave another closer, more tightly integrated union too. They are a party of barriers and division, when we need unity and collaboration more than ever.
‘While the SNP debate independence, we are seeing health, education and the police struggling to get by. This is the true cost of the SNP’s independence obsession.’
Pro-UK campaign group Scotland in Union branded the vote in Holyrood an attempt to ‘distract’ from current ‘failing public services.’
Chief executive Pamela Nash insisted: ‘The vast majority of people in Scotland do not want a divisive second independence referendum. Scotland deserves better.’