The Indyref2 showdown is ‘coming in matter of weeks’
NICOLA Sturgeon is heading for a showdown with Boris Johnson over a second independence referendum.
The First Minister said in a matter of weeks she will be seeking the power to hold a second vote.
Speaking as the SNP was opening its annual conference in Aberdeen the First Minister said she will be asking the UK Government to agree terms for a referendum before the end of the year and said it will be in a matter of weeks.
She told the Andrew Marr Show on the BBC: “It is likely to be over the next matter of weeks. It is coming soon.”
The First Minister ruled out a Catalonia style referendum without agreement as some independence supporters have called for if the UK refuses the powers.
Ms Sturgeon said she wants a method that will result in independence and see Scotland recognised internationally as an independent country.
She said on any other possible route to independence she would “not tell supporters what they wanted to hear”, adding “I’ve watched Brexiteers do that”.
The First Minister was speaking as a new poll was released showing support for independence at 50%.
The Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times also showed people believe Scotland would be economically better off as an independent country in the European Union instead of part of the UK outside the EU.
She said any deal to replace Boris Johnson with another Prime Minister would need to include agreement on referendum powers.
Ms Sturgeon added: “But I say this to Jeremy Corbyn or any Westminster leader who’s looking to the SNP for support, if you don’t accept Scotland’s right to choose our own future at a time of our own choosing, don’t even bother picking up the phone to me.”
Richard Leonard Scottish Labour leader said: “We need to resolve the constitutional crisis – not create another one.
“The prospect of a socialist Britain offers far more than that of a separate Scotland.”
Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Conservative acting leader said: “Sturgeon’s comments simply underline that the SNP have always and will continue to use Brexit to further their own nationalist agenda.
“Sturgeon also knows that both Corbyn and McDonnell would happily agree to indyref2 for a chance to get to Number 10.”