Sturgeon would like Indyref2 next year

Nicola Sturgeon has been pressed on the timetable for holding both Scottish independence and Brexit referendums next year.

The first minister has said she will request a Section 30 Order from Westminster by the end of this year to hold a second vote on independence in 2020.

She has also given her support to having another referendum on Brexit, with an option to Remain on the ballot paper.

At First Minister’s Questions yesterday, Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw asked Ms Sturgeon which vote would come first.

He said: “I’m just not sure the first minister has thought through her big double referendum promise.

“As she keeps telling us, she would ask Jeremy Corbyn for a referendum on independence and demand it’s held next year.

“And we know too that she would support Mr Corbyn’s plan for a second Brexit referendum also to be held next year.

“Now first minister, clarify for me a simple question on timetabling – when is all this supposed to happen?”

Ms Sturgeon replied: “My priority – and I can’t believe Jackson Carlaw hasn’t actually cottoned on to this yet, he should maybe listen a bit more – my priority is to give the people of Scotland the opportunity to choose independence next year and I look forward to delivering on that.”

Mr Carlaw also asked about the prospect of a “progressive alliance” being formed in order to oust the Conservatives from government at Westminster.

He said: “Can the first minister explain how you can hope to form an alliance with the same people you’re planning to walk out on?”

The first minister said: “I think Jackson Carlaw’s probably confused himself with that question, as well as the rest of the population.”