This morning, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Scotland cannot hold a second independence referendum without the consent of Westminster, regardless of their being a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament.
The full judgement can be read here:
In response, the First Minister reiterated that achieving independence is essential if Scotland is to escape the disaster of Brexit, damaging policies imposed by governments we don’t vote for and the low growth, high inequality economy that is holding us back.
Despite the Union supposedly being a voluntary partnership of nations, today’s ruling makes clear the relationship is neither ‘voluntary’ nor a ‘partnership’.
The next UK General Election will be the most obvious opportunity to seek a de facto referendum. The SNP will seek to establish majority support in Scotland for independence.
The SNP National Executive Committee will convene a special party conference in 2023 to discuss and agree the details.
Commenting on the ruling and Scotland’s next steps, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:
“This is no longer just about whether or not Scotland becomes independent - vital though that decision is. It is now more fundamental - it is now about whether or not we have the basic democratic right to choose our own future. Indeed, from today, the independence movement is as much about democracy as it is about independence.
“Indeed, getting the judgment now rather than later gives us the clarity we need to plot a definite way forward. Fundamentally, our job today is the same as it was yesterday. It is to persuade a majority of the Scottish people of the fact that independence is the best future for Scotland - and ensure a democratic process that allows majority support to be established beyond doubt.
“My resolve to achieve independence is as strong as it has ever been. Indeed, it is if anything even stronger. Prosperity, equality, internationalism - and now, without any doubt, the very democracy of our nation - depends on independence.”
The First Minister’s full statement can be viewed here:
