Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said she plans to trigger another independence referendum, which could be held in autumn 2018 at the earliest.
Speaking at Bute House in Edinburgh, Sturgeon said: “In my view, it is important that Scotland is able to exercise the right to choose its own future at a time when the options are clearer than they are now, but before it is too late to decide our own path.”
Since the UK voted to leave the European Union, Sturgeon has repeatedly stated the likelihood of a second Scottish independence referendum. Scotland voted 62% to 38% to remain the EU.
Sturgeon said: “The timing of the Brexit negotiations are not within the control of the Scottish government. However, we must plan on the basis of what we do know now, and what we know is that on the timetable set out by the prime minister, the shape of the Brexit deal will become clear in the autumn of next year ahead of ratification votes by other EU countries.
“That is therefore the earliest point at which a referendum would be appropriate.”
She called for Scotland to remain part of the European single market through membership of the European Economic Area, but said the UK government has refused to compromise.
Next week, Sturgeon will ask the Scottish parliament for permission to request a section 30 order from Westminster, which is required to allow a referendum to be held.
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