Questions & answers

Why hold a second independence referendum?

The SNP formed a minority Scottish Government in 2016 after stating in its manifesto that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is a “significant and material” change in circumstances, such as “Scotland being taken out of the EU against its will”. When the majority of Scots voted to remain in the EU against an overall UK majority to leave in the EU referendum in June 2016, Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to draw up legislation for a fresh independence vote, noting it was “highly likely” one would take place in the next two years.

What happened next?

Ms Sturgeon said that, while another referendum was “on the table”, she wanted to explore all options to “protect Scotland’s place in Europe”, which included drawing up proposals to keep Scotland in the European single market. Ms Sturgeon announced in March she would seek powers to hold a referendum between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.

Why was a referendum opposed?

Unionist parties argue that the question of independence was settled in the first vote in 2014, which saw 55% of Scots vote to stay in the UK.

Why has Ms Sturgeon changed plans now?

She had been poised to update Holyrood on her next move in May but then the prime minister called the snap election for June 8. The SNP lost 21 of the 56 seats it had won in 2015. Ms Sturgeon said proposals for another vote had been a factor in the result and promised to reflect on her plans. She returned to Holyrood yesterday to announce they would be put on hold until at least next autumn.