Push for new referendum

Scotland’s leader Nicola Sturgeon (above) is expected to win a vote in the Scottish parliament today in support of a new independence referendum.

SCOTLAND’S leader Nicola Sturgeon is expected to win a vote in the Scottish parliament today in support of a new independence referendum, despite opposition from London.

Politicians are due to back Ms Sturgeon’s call for a second referendum after a two-day debate in the devolved parliament.

“For the UK Government to stand in the way of Scotland even having a choice would be, in my view, wrong, unfair and utterly unsustainable,” Ms Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, said yesterday.

As head of the ruling Scottish National Party, Ms Sturgeon has been a champion of independence, although she needs approval from London to forge ahead with a referendum.

Winning the Scottish parliament’s approval would pave the way for her to ask the British Government for the power to call another vote.

Scotland rejected independence in 2014, although the SNP argues Britain’s decision last June to leave the European Union warrants a fresh referendum, as Scotland voted to remain within the bloc.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday accused the SNP of “divisive and obsessive nationalism” and defended the “precious, precious union” of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Ms May has said she aims to get the best divorce package from Brussels for Scotland and the rest of Britain, with formal Brexit proceedings to be started by the government on March 29. She has insisted “now is not the time” for another Scottish referendum.