Nicola Sturgeon has said that she will publish the “democratic case” for transferring power from Westminster to Holyrood to allow for a second Scottish independence referendum later this week.
In a statement in the Scottish Parliament following Thursday’s General Election, the First Minister said: “This election demonstrated a fundamental point.
“The kind of future desired by most people in Scotland is very clearly different to that favoured by much of the rest of the UK.”
NS: "I recognise the work that those of us who support independence still have to do to persuade a clear majority in Scotland that it is the best way forward for our country."
— The SNP (@theSNP) December 17, 2019
Ms Sturgeon added: “We must have the right to consider the alternative of independence.
“That is why, later this week, in line with repeated election mandates – reinforced once again on Thursday – I will publish the detailed democratic case for a transfer of power from Westminster to this Parliament to allow for an independence referendum that is beyond legal challenge.”
NS: "Given the nature of what we are facing in terms of UK governance, this is now a matter of some urgency – which is why this government wants people to have a choice next year."
— The SNP (@theSNP) December 17, 2019
Ms Sturgeon said that some politicians who had previously opposed a second referendum are now “rethinking” their position.
She said: “There are already some signs that those who previously opposed an independence referendum are, when faced with the democratic reality of Thursday’s result, now re-thinking that position.
“I welcome that. But let me be clear about this – I do not assume that an acceptance of Scotland’s right to choose will always equate to support for independence – just as I do not assume that everyone who voted SNP last week is yet ready to vote for independence.
“I recognise the work that those of us who support independence still have to do to persuade a clear majority in Scotland that it is the best way forward for our country.”
Ms Sturgeon added that if the UK Government presses ahead with its Withdrawal Agreement Bill without consent it would be “further proof” of Westminster’s “contempt for devolution”.
“Throughout the Brexit process the Westminster government has ignored the wishes of the people of Scotland and the views of this Parliament,” said the First Minister.
“Now it seems the Prime Minister is determined to quickly push through the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.
“This Parliament will have to consider whether or not it will give consent to this Bill.
“If the UK Government was to press ahead without that consent it would be further proof of Westminster’s contempt for devolution and its willingness to tear up established constitutional rules in its pursuit of Brexit.”
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