Elections in Scotland: New independence referendum?

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After a clear victory in the general election in Scotland, nationalists are pushing for a new referendum on independence from Great Britain, as has been announced. Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon explained a long-distance emotional battle with the government in London on Sunday over sovereignty. The date for the new referendum is 2022. Related to this would be the question of whether Scotland would return to the European Union – without the other parts of the United Kingdom.

The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) said that anyone who blocks the vote is ignoring the democratic will of Scots. BBC, On the other hand, British Minister of State Michael Gove said on Sky News that there is currently no question of a referendum. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who also represents England, invited Sturgeon to a crisis summit with leaders from other parts of the country, Wales and Northern Ireland. Johnson dismissed a new referendum, calling it “irresponsible and reckless”.

The British government insists that the issue of independence had already been resolved in the 2014 referendum. At the time, 55 percent of Scots voted to remain. The SNP, on the other hand, argues that Brexit has changed the starting position. Scots rejected a majority in the 2016 Brexit referendum, but were eliminated.

“This is the will of the country”

The SNP won 64 seats in Thursday’s election – one less than required for an absolute majority. Along with the Greens, who also support independence and a return to the European Union, supporters of the detachment from Great Britain have a comfortable majority of 72 of the 129 seats.

Sturgeon also mentioned this. “It is the will of the country,” she said, referring to independence. If needed, she will also go to court. According to most experts, the referendum would not be legal without London’s approval. Sturgeon continued, “The only people who decide the future of Scotland are the Scots.” If London blocks this will, the United Kingdom is no longer a union of consent, but of coercion. His vice John Swinney assisted: “Boris Johnson is not the master of any lie of Scotland.”

Sturgeon indicated that a referendum could be held as soon as next year. A draft law for this is already ready. She does not rule out that the relevant legislation will be introduced “early next year”. In a phone call with Johnson, she said, according to her office: “A referendum is now the question of when, not what.”

ast/dpa/LTO Editorial Team