Sturgeon sets wheels for an SNP: Poll dependent on Brexit talks

Nicola Sturgeon has put Holyrood and Westminster on a collision course after the first minister published plans that could lead to a second independence referendum.

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on a new draft Referendum Bill, with Ms Sturgeon insisting voters north of the border should be given the chance to consider the issue afresh after the Brexit vote.

While the UK narrowly voted to leave the EU, almost two-thirds of Scots who took part in the ballot wanted to remain part of the bloc.

The first minister has said she will put forward specific proposals aimed at keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, as well as for “substantial additional iona l powers” for Holyrood as part of the UK’s Article 50 negotiations, including over international deals with other nations and immigration.

But she has stressed the Scottish Parliament must be able to consider the option of an independence referendum “if it becomes clear it is the best or only way of safeguarding Scotland’s interests”.

Such a vote would take place before the UK formally quits the EU, Ms Sturgeon said.

Prime Minister Theresa May, however, insists there is no mandate for Scotland to have another ballot on independence after the country voted by 55% to 45% in favour of staying part of the UK in September 2014.

The consultation states that if the SNP Government does formally introduce a Referendum Bill to Holyrood “it would be expected that a section 30 order would be sought and agreed, as in 2014” tomake the vote legally binding.

Scottish ministers will reach a conclusion on whether to ask MSPs to approve a Bill “in the light of developments over the coming months”.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The damage to jobs and Scotland’s economy that will be caused by Brexit – especially a hard Brexit – is now plain to see.

“We will continue to work UK-wide to seek to avert a hard Brexit and we will also bring forward proposals that seek to protect our place in the single market, even if the rest of the UK leaves.

“However, if we find our interests cannot be properly or fully protected in a UK context, then independence must be one of the options open to us and the Scottish peop le must have the right to consider it.”

“Independence must be one of the options open to us”

Under the proposals, it is expected that Scots would be asked the same question posed in 2014: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

The document, published online, also sets out plans for a second poll to be decided by a simple majority, as was the case two years ago, while the franchise would again see EU citizens living in Scotland and those aged 16 and 17 able to vote.

But a Number 10 spokesman dismissed the need for another independence referendum, saying: “The prime minister and the Government does not believe there is a mandate for one. There was one only two years ago. There was an extremely high turnout and there was a resounding result in favour of Scotland remaining in the UK.”

When the 2014 vote was proposed, “both sides agreed to abide by that referendum”, he said.

Asked if UK ministers would reject a call for a second referendum from the Scottish Government, he stated: “There has not been a call.”

But launching the document, Scottish Constitution Secretary Derek MacKay said: “It's inconceivable that the Tory Government would not grant a section 30 order.

“They need to respect Scotland, and the prime minister said she would do that.”

SIR, – The SNP's Nicola Sturgeon and Angus Robertson have been much in the news of late, yet I think people weary of what they say see through their threats and blusterings and the growing importance they attach to themselves and to their office.

Their promise that the Scottish referendum was a once in a lifetime event lies dead in the gutter, overtaken by preparation of legislation for a second Scottish independence referendum.

As I see it there should be no second referendum, the people of Scotland voted to remain within the United Kingdom and that decision should stand.

The UK's Brexit vote was a gift handed on a plate to Ms Sturgeon, indeed she couldn't have wished for better. It opened a route for her to Scottish independence by the back door, even if that meant control by Brussels.

Your timely comment (Press and Journal, October 14) touched on the immense and insurmountable difficulties that would arise for Scotland and the UK if the SNP ever succeeded in separating the two. In reality, what Messrs Sturgeon and Robertson envisage belongs to cloud cuckoo land.

The SNP may have enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame but I can see a day coming when it's all going to collapse about their ears. Keith Fernie, Drakies Avenue, Inverness.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon