The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Second indyref bill to be ready within days
Talks to begin over launch of Scots referendum
A draft bill for a second referendum on Scottish independence is due to be published by Constitution Secretary Derek Mackay.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced at the SNP conference last week that a formal consultation on the legislation would begin within days.
The SNP leader told delegates that Scots should have the ability to reconsider the issue in light of the vote for Brexit – and to do so before the UK leaves the European Union (EU).
Speaking in advance of the bill’s publication, Ms Sturgeon said: “This government was elected on a specific manifesto pledge that the Scottish Parliament should be able to consider an independence referendum if there was a material change in circumstances, such as Scotland being taken out of the European Union against its will.
“The country now faces exactly that prospect, including the likelihood of it being a ‘hard Brexit’ with all the additional damage that will do to Scotland’s economy and jobs, which is why this bill is being published for consultation.”
Ms Sturgeon, who is due to meet Theresa May in London on Monday, said efforts to protect Scotland’s place in Europe would intensify over the coming weeks.
She has said she will put forward proposals aimed at keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, as well as “substantial additional powers” for Holyrood as part of the UK’s Article 50 negotiations, including over international deals with other nations and immigration. Ms Sturgeon added: “However, if it becomes clear that it is the best or only way of safeguarding Scotland’s interests, parliament must be able to consider the option of an independence referendum, to allow the people of Scotland to vote on independence before the UK leaves the EU.” The Scottish Government has said it will propose a statement to the Scottish Parliament next week to update MSPs on developments. Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said her party would fight proposals for a second referendum “every step of the way”.
She said: “Instead of using Brexit to further her own political ambitions, Nicola Sturgeon should be working closely with the UK-Government to address the risks and explore the
“Parliament must be able to consider an independence referendum”
opportunities this decision creates for industries and sectors across Scotland.”
Labour’s shadow Scottish secretary Dave Anderson MP said: “Our country is already divided following the Tories’ Brexit gamble anda second referendum is the very last thing our fragile economy needs.”