Indyref2 statement ‘likely’ within a week

Nicola Sturgeon is “likely” to make a statement on plans for a second independence referendum before Holyrood breaks up for the summer, a spokesman has said.

The First Minister has been reflecting on Scottish Government proposals for a fresh ballot on the issue in the wake of the general election result, which saw the SNP lose 21 seats at Westminster after the party’s share of the vote fell from 50 per cent to 37 per cent.

Ms Sturgeon led discussions on independence when her cabinet team met in Edinburgh yesterday morning, almost two weeks on from the election.

A spokesman for the First Minister said afterwards: “That forms part of the proc- 0 Nicola Sturgeon has held talks with party colleagues ess she laid out after the election and she will continue to consult with government and party colleagues, and will lay out her views on the way forward in due course.”

Asked if this would be before Holyrood breaks for the summer recess on 29 June, he stated: “I think it is likely before then.”