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Scottish parliament voted to seek a new independence referendum

Wednesday, March 29th 2017 - 07:23 UTC
Full article 2 comments
Sturgeon has argued that last year's Brexit vote necessitates a new independence referendum. Sturgeon has argued that last year's Brexit vote necessitates a new independence referendum.
The legislature in Edinburgh voted 69-59 to seek Britain's parliamentary endorsement, which is required, for a referendum The legislature in Edinburgh voted 69-59 to seek Britain's parliamentary endorsement, which is required, for a referendum

Scotland's Parliament voted on Tuesday to seek a new referendum on independence from Britain, clearing the way for the country's first minister to ask the British government to approve such a vote. The legislature in Edinburgh voted 69-59 to seek Britain's parliamentary endorsement, which is required, for a referendum that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold within two years, before Britain has completed its departure from the 28-nation European Union.

British voters narrowly approved a departure from the EU last year, and London will begin the formal process leading to Britain's exit from the union on Wednesday.

Despite the overall vote last year in favor of leaving the EU — based on ballots cast in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — nearly two-thirds of Scottish voters elected to remain in the bloc. Since then, Sturgeon has insisted that independence is the only way for Scotland to maintain its formal EU relationship.

Scottish voters chose not to declare independence from London in a referendum three years ago, but that was months before discussions began about Britain's possible departure from the Brussels-based EU.

Sturgeon has argued that last year's Brexit vote necessitates a new independence referendum. On Tuesday, she said “it would be democratically indefensible and utterly unsustainable” for London to block a new Scottish vote.

Sturgeon first predicted a push for a new independence referendum last year, hours after British voters elected to leave the EU. She said it would be “unacceptable” for Scotland to be forced to leave the EU along with the rest of Britain, in light of Scots' strong support for remaining in the bloc.

For her part, British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will not support a new Scottish vote until Britain has formally departed the EU — a process of negotiations that experts say could take several years.

“Now is not the time,” May said of a new Scottish referendum, adding that Britons “should be working together, not pulling apart,” as the Brexit unfolds.

Categories: Politics, International.

Top Comments

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  • Bongo

    What part of the word “No” is Sturgeon having trouble understanding?

    Mar 29th, 2017 - 08:18 am 0
  • James Marshall

    It appears she may want the option of a third bite at the cherry if the second fails.

    Have a referendum before Brexit, if they lose again, wait for Brexit, then if the UK gets a bad deal claim it is not good for Scotland and call another referendum.

    Could be a good call on her behalf.

    Independence at any cost could just backfire though, 63% exports to the rUK, 16% Europe, 21% Rest of the World. Perhaps, if it is felt that Ms Sturgeon, by her insistence to force a referendum before Brexit, causes harm to the EU negotiations, will the rUK forget quickly.

    Perhaps,perhaps not, it is obviously a risk she is happy to take for Scotland and good luck to her, she feels she has the mandate of the Scottish People in this regard, so she should do what she feels is right.

    Mar 29th, 2017 - 09:37 am 0
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