New date for IndyRef2 vote

HOLYROOD’S vote on a second independence referendum will take place next Tuesday – after being delayed by news of the Westminster terror attack.

MSPs had been expected to vote on Wednesday to give Nicola Sturgeon the authority to seek talks with the UK Government over a fresh ballot.

But business at the Scottish Parliament was suspended part way through the debate as news came through of the atrocity.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said it was “an expression of our support for our sister Parliament”.

Macintosh chaired a meeting of party business managers on Thursday morning over the rescheduling of the debate.

It was taking place after the First Minister’s announcement last week that she would seek to hold another referendum in response to the Brexit vote.

Sturgeon said she supported the decision to suspend the debate but stressed: “This was not because of any specific threat to the Parliament or to Scotland.”

Business at Holyrood resumed yesterday morning and flags at the Parliament were flying at half mast as a mark of respect.