Scottish minister launches new survey on independence

STIRLING, UK, Friday

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched a survey on independence, saying the Brexit vote had changed the conditions that existed when Scotland voted against secession in 2014.

“Brexit raises afresh the issue of independence...It would allow us to take control of our destiny,” Sturgeon told lawmakers from her Scottish National Party, which favours breaking off from the rest of Britain.

Centre-left leader Sturgeon said the survey would be conducted through a website and by polling party members, aiming to reach two million people, or around half the electorate.

The results are due by St Andrew’s Day on November 30 — celebrating Scotland’s patron saint.

“It is right that our party does now lead a new conversation on independence. It will be a new debate. It will not be a re-run of 2014,” she said.

Scots are deeply divided on the issue and a new poll by YouGov published on Friday found 54 per cent were against independence and 46 per cent in favour.

In Scotland’s independence referendum two years ago, 55 per cent voted against and 45 per cent in favour.

But Sturgeon said she believed support for separation would increase once the effects of Brexit become clear and argued that the weakness of the main opposition Labour Party meant the centre-right Conservatives could be in power for decades to come.

STURGEON FAULTS MAY
She called the Conservative government’s failure to prepare for a “Leave” victory in the June EU referendum reckless and irresponsible and warned the result would badly damage the Scottish economy.

“I am not prepared to stand by and watch that happen without a battle,” Sturgeon said, adding that she would seek extra powers from London for Scotland to preserve EU ties to help businesses and universities.

Addressing Prime Minister Theresa May she said: “You do not have a clear mandate to take any part of the UK out of the single market of the European Union.”

May has spoken out against Scottish independence and promised to involve Scotland in negotiations on Britain’s future relationship with the EU.

Britain as a whole voted to leave the EU by 52 per cent to 48 per cent but in Scotland the result was 62 per cent to 38 per cent in favour.