[47] The Conservatives became the largest anti-independence party increasing their votes from 27% to 46% of unionist voters. [81] An emergency Scottish cabinet meeting on 25 June 2016 agreed that the Scottish Government would seek to enter negotiations with the EU and its member states, to explore "options to protect Scotland's place in the EU". Some, like 26-year-old fisherman Lee Gardner, still aren’t sure who they’ll vote for. [99], In November 2016, Sturgeon confirmed to members of the Scottish Parliament that the Scottish Government was considering joining the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA), based on the model of Norway and some other countries, to "protect [Scotland's] place in the single market" of Europe even if the United Kingdom as a whole does leave in a "hard Brexit". [33][36], Scottish Secretary David Mundell stated, on 26 June 2016, that "if the people of Scotland ultimately determine that they want to have another [independence] referendum there will be one", and added "Could there be another referendum? [32], In response to the result, on 24 June 2016, the Scottish Government said officials would begin planning for a second referendum on independence. [107] Scotland's GDP remains at 17.6% lower than in February 2020 despite small levels of growth since the easing of lockdown restrictions. [40][41] Prior to the passage of the motion, a Green Party amendment was passed, by the same margin, that seeks to enable 16 and 17 year-olds and EU citizens the opportunity to vote in a referendum.[42]. [129] From 18 September 2016 to 18 September 2017 twenty-six polls were conducted with twenty-five returning "No" as the most popular answer and only one returning "Yes" as the most popular answer. The answer to that question is yes. Some, like the university’spro-independence union, are adamant about the direction they want that swing to take. [29][30] Former Labour Scottish First Minister Henry McLeish asserted that he would support Scottish independence under such circumstances. Students loom large here; cycling down pretty streets and teeming out of grand stone university buildings. Glasgow North East was gained by Labour despite consisting mostly of the two Scottish Parliamentary constituencies with the largest support for independence within the Glasgow City council area – Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn and Glasgow Provan. For Scottish voters, a key issue in the December 12 general election will be whether, in the long term, they want to remain part of the UK or to break away and become an independent country. Responses by politicians to the possibility of a referendum have been both pro-referendum and anti-referendum. A strong performance at the 2019 Westminster election was seen as a green light to press on with independence referendum preparations, while a resounding victory at … However, a spokesman for Corbyn later said: "Labour continues to oppose a further referendum in the Scottish Parliament and would campaign against independence if one were held. In any case, “we won’t be in the EU come January,” says Stage, in between sips of tea. The SNP wants Scotland back in the EU as quickly as possible Excluding "don't knows", the average of polls in 2019 was 51% No to 49% Yes. (asked after the EU referendum)", "Nicola Sturgeon points to 'growing urgency' for Scottish independence", "Scottish independence surveys 'show Brexit has put union at risk, "Why are more Scots supporting independence?". [4], First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gained approval of the Scottish Parliament to seek a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to hold an independence referendum "when the shape of the UK's Brexit deal will become clear". Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said an independence referendum that could wrench apart the United Kingdom after Brexit should take place in the earlier part of the devolved parliament's next term, which begins next year. Soon, Scotland will decide which way to turn. Instead, she said, the deficit would drop under an independent Scotland finally able to fully control its finances. [54] Legislation was introduced to Parliament to govern any future referenda on any subject held by the devolved institutions. [66], Support for independence reached record levels during 2020. Her husband is an SNP member, though she’s quick to laugh off politically-induced marital strife. "[120], A spokesperson speaking on behalf of Cameron's successor as Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister, Theresa May, said in October 2016: "The prime minister and the government does not believe that there is a mandate for [a second referendum]. Scotland isn’t traditional territory for the Conservatives. ... Tue 15 Oct 2019 02.00 EDT. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on a collision course with Scotland’s leader Nicola Sturgeon over the future of the U.K. Sturgeon says Scotland needs a new referendum on whether to … This year’s candidate, Wendy Haynes, says her party’s aim is to create a radically different UK, one that Scotland will want to be part of. This Act extends voting rights to anyone legally resident in Scotland over the age of 16, regardless of nationality or citizenship, and extends voting rights to some prisoners if they have less than 12 months to serve in prison. 2 Application of this Act . Nicola Sturgeon claimed that there was a “renewed, refreshed and strengthened mandate” for another vote. Professor John Curtice stated in January 2012 that polling had shown support for independence at between 32% and 38% of the Scottish population. There was one only two years ago. [104][105] This position was criticised by think tank Common Weal who propose that Scotland should adopt a new currency as close to day 1 of independence as a means to have full fiscal and monetary sovereignty.[106]. She believes the same argument for staying in the EU, applies to staying in the UK. However, it affirmed that Scotland's independence would have to be accepted by the United Kingdom for Scotland to obtain EU membership: "There now seems to be a consensus that, were Scotland to become independent by legal means, it could join the [European] Union". [21], Though the proposal for Scotland to become an independent country was voted down in 2014, the referendum resulted in the Scottish Parliament gaining additional powers through the Scotland Act 2016, which increased the devolved powers in areas such as taxation and some aspects of welfare provision. He has relatives in both countries and says he doesn’t want to cross a hard border “just to see my family.” Â. With Brexit, such support was due to be ended with a new payment system introduced. [85] David Edward, a former justice of the European Court of Justice, suggested that these arrangements would relate to policy areas that have been devolved to Scotland. It’s a bitterly cold November day in the Scottish town of St Andrews, the kind of morning when the grass crackles underfoot like broken glass. [10], The 2019 UK general election resulted in a majority parliament for the Conservatives led by Boris Johnson. Hauling lobsters onto his family’s boat in St Andrews’ harbor, Gardner stands on the cliff edge. Britain’s fishing industry has been vocal in favor of leaving the EU. Cross-party talks are to be held to enable any areas of agreement on changes to devolution to be explored. Now he has the chance to transform the UK, Hardline Hindus are pushing the Indian government's agenda on British voters, Everything you need to know about the UK general election on December 12. SP Bill 46 Session 5 (2019) Referendums (Scotland) Bill [AS INTRODUCED] CONTENTS. “But what’s a trident bomb going to do amongst lochs and glens and Glasgow.”. Student Lottie Doherty, 21, says she’ll be voting Labour because she supports staying in the EU and the UK, but believes the Lib Dem policy on revoking Brexit without a second referendum is “undemocratic.”. [7] Ruth Davidson later appeared at a press conference in Edinburgh and stated her position that "we will maintain that it should not take place when there is no clear public and political consent for it to happen". [90], Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said: "[be] very clear Scotland does not have the competence to negotiate with the European Union". Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday warned the United Kingdom that she wants the second referendum "in the earlier part" of the next Scottish parliament, which begins next year. "[101] Christophe Hillion, a Professor of European Law at the University of Oslo who was invited to deliver an expert opinion to the Scottish Parliament, said that while there is scepticism about UK accession to EFTA in Norway, Scotland is viewed much more positively and that the EFTA member states would likely welcome an independent Scotland as a member. Labour has pledged to renew the Trident program, despite its leader Jeremy Corbyn being a longstanding critic of nuclear weapons. Even in a close constituency like North East Fife, some voters are still backing outside parties. He has stated that 40 years is what he sees as the time needed between referenda. If there was another referendum and if Scots voted out, it would mark the biggest shock to the United Kingdom since Irish independence a … In 2015, Labour had the highest vote share among unionist voters at 42%. Voting etc. The crowds converging on London this weekend to march for a people’s vote will encompass many thousands of Scots because their country voted … 3 Referendum questions . Scotland voted by a margin of 55–45 to remain part of the U.K. in a 2014 independence referendum, a result that was supported by all of Britain’s political parties except the … Ahead of that referendum, the Scottish Government stated in its white paper proposing independence that voting Yes was a "once in a generation opportunity to follow a different path, and choose a new and better direction for our nation". In October 2020, an Ipsos Mori poll for STV News showed 58% of Scots in support for independence[67] and that, if there were an economic case for Scotland becoming independent, 75% of Scots say they would support. Nonetheless Gardner voted Remain, and says he loves “traveling to Europe.”, “Anyway,” he adds with a cheeky smile, “I haven’t been a fisherman that long.”. The SNP believes an independent Scotland is the best way of staying in the EU; the Lib Dems say Scotland is stronger in Europeand in the UK. “We are better off in the UK with the relationships we have across these islands, as well as remaining in the EU and maintaining those relationships we have across the continent,” Chamberlain says, the sea breeze ruffling her long curly hair. #EUref", "Scotland welcome to join EU, Merkel ally says", "Brexit: Scottish independence 'simplest EU option, "Brexit: PM is 'willing to listen to options' on Scotland", "Think tank says unionists must offer Scotland EU options", "Brexit: Sturgeon sets out key Scottish interests that 'must be protected, "Scottish Labour publish Brexit economy 'action plan, "German Parties Snub U.K. to Back Scotland's Push to Defy Brexit", "Britain After Brexit: Resistance from Scotland", "Nicola Sturgeon confirms 'Norway model' option", "EEA 'likely to welcome' an independent Scotland", "Scotland analysis: assessment of a sterling currency union", "Some early thoughts on the Sustainable Growth Commission report", "Six tests would 'act against' creating a Scottish currency, think-tank argues in critique of SNP Growth Commission", "Coronavirus: Largest UK recession on record - official figures", "Scotland officially in recession after GDP fall", "Pro-independence parties throw their weight behind ScotRef decision", "Theresa May rules out Nicola Sturgeon's plans for a new Scottish independence referendum before Brexit, as Lords pass landmark Brexit bill following MPs' vote", "New campaign organisation aims to take independence movement 'to the next level, "Labour councillor and Cosla president calls for second independence referendum", "Alex Salmond calls for second independence referendum after Brexit 'humiliation, "Boris Johnson won't give Scots a second independence referendum", "Scottish independence: Jeremy Corbyn says indyref2 'absolutely fine, "Scottish Liberal Democrats will oppose second referendum", "New Scottish independence bill published", "General election 2019: Jackson Carlaw answers your questions on the election", "Why it's time for Home Rule for Scotland – Richard Leonard", "Richard Leonard tells Labour chiefs Scottish party will decide IndyRef2 position", "Rennie: My MPs will vote to block indyref2", "Willie Rennie wants Scottish independence poll blocked", "New poll: Scotland would back indy if fresh vote was held now", "What are the latest polls saying about Scottish independence? Regulations 2016, The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016, European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bills, Terms of Withdrawal from EU (Referendum) Bills, UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill 2018, European Union Withdrawal Agreement (Public Vote) Bill 2017–19, Trade negotiation between the UK and the EU, Post-Brexit United Kingdom relations with the European Union, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proposed_second_Scottish_independence_referendum&oldid=991033537, Consequences of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, Articles with dead external links from May 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. There was an extremely high turnout and there was a resounding result in favour of Scotland remaining in the UK. It's hard to see how dragging Scotland back down the rabbit hole of a debate on independence is going to improve our schools." Scotland would only consider an independent currency, once certain economic goals had been met. Financial groups, such as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group, were reported to be considering moving their registered offices to London, as a result of a European law stating that banks should have their head offices in the same member state as its registered office, as well as implying that these offices should be in the location where they conduct most of their activity – which would be the remainder of the United Kingdom in the event of Scottish independence. We will oppose UK withdrawal from the EU and will propose that, in any future referendum, there should be a double majority requirement. 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