Scottish parliament backs a second independence vote

Scotland’s Parliament has voted to hold a new referendum on Scottish independence.

‘The only realistic way for Scotland’: Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Getty Images

Scotland’s parliament has voted to hold a new referendum on Scottish independence, a move intended to increase political pressure on the British government as the UK leaves the EU.

Members of the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh voted 64-54 on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) to call for holding a referendum “so that the people of Scotland can decide whether they wish it to become an independent country”.

However, the vote will have little immediate effect. A binding referendum can’t take place without the British government’s agreement, and Boris Johnson in January turned down the Scottish government’s request for a referendum on the independence question.

The British Prime Minister argues that a 2014 plebiscite, in which Scots rejected independence, was billed as a once-in-a-generation vote and should stand.

Scotland’s pro-independence government says Brexit changes everything.

Britain as a whole voted narrowly in 2016 to leave the EU, but Scots voted by 62 per cent to 38 per cent to remain.

The UK’s long-delayed exit from the EU is due to take place on Saturday AEDT.

“We stand just two days from losing our EU membership and all of the rights that go with it,” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

“In my view, it is beyond doubt now that the only realistic way for Scotland to return to the heart of Europe and ensure we get the governments we vote for is to become an independent country.”

MSPs also voted to keep the EU flag flying outside the Edinburgh legislature.

The group that manages parliament had planned to lower the flag at 11pm on Friday, when Britain officially leaves the EU but MSPs voted by 63 to 54 to overturn the decision after heated debate.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh warned ministers that flags “should not become a political issue” and they “reflect our relationships in law”.

Ms Sturgeon, who leads the pro-EU Scottish National Party, had urged for the EU flag to keep flying, angering opposition parties. The Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats insisted the “non-political” ruling of the parliamentary corporate body should have stood.

The motion passed by MSPs said the flag should stay up “as a sign of support and solidarity with EU nationals who have made Scotland their home”.

AP, AFP