Independence must be an option, Nicola Sturgeon insists as draft bill is published

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted independence “must be one of the options” open to Scotland as she published a draft Bill for a second referendum.

Here is the new draft bill for a second independence referendum.

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposed legislation which could bring about a second independence vote after the majority of Scots voted to remain in the European Union (EU).

Ms Sturgeon has said Scots should have the ability to reconsider the independence issue in light of the vote for Brexit, and to do so before the UK leaves the EU.

The First Minister has said she will put forward specific proposals aimed at keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, as well as for “substantial additional powers” for Holyrood as part of the UK’s Article 50 negotiations including over international deals with other nations and immigration.

But she has stressed that the Scottish Parliament must be able to consider the option of an independence referendum “if it becomes clear that it is the best or only way of safeguarding Scotland’s interests”.

The consultation says the Government will reach a conclusion on whether to ask the Scottish Parliament to approve a Bill “in the light of developments over the coming months”.

Ms Sturgeon said: “My priority is clear – we will do everything we can to protect Scotland’s interests.

“The damage to jobs and Scotland’s economy that will be caused by Brexit – especially a hard Brexit – is now plain to see.

“We will continue to work UK-wide to seek to avert a hard Brexit and we will also bring forward proposals that seek to protect our place in the single market, even if the rest of the UK leaves.

“However, if we find that our interests cannot be properly or fully protected within a UK context, then independence must be one of the options open to us and the Scottish people must have the right to consider it.

“Any decision on holding a referendum, including the timing of it, would be for the Scottish Parliament to take having considered all the options for Scotland’s future relationship with the EU and the associated impact of being forced to leave against our will.”

Under the proposals it is expected that Scots would be asked the same question posed in 2014: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

The document, published online, also sets out plans for a second poll to be decided by a simple majority, as was the case two years ago when 55% of Scots voted to stay in the United Kingdom and 45% opted for independence.

The consultation proposes the same franchise as in 2014, which would see EU citizens living in Scotland and 16 and 17-year-olds able to vote.

It states that an order similar to that drawn up by Westminster and the Scottish Parliament that allowed the previous vote to take place “would be sought and agreed”.

Constitution Secretary Derek Mackay said: “It is important that a referendum on independence, like that in 2014, meets the gold standard in terms of fairness, transparency and propriety.

“The franchise will be the same as that for the Scottish Parliament. That will mean two important groups of people would have a voice denied to them in the recent referendum on EU membership: 16 and 17-year-olds and citizens of EU countries who have made Scotland their home.

“We are now publishing the Bill for consultation so that it is ready for introduction should the Scottish Government decide that seeking the views of the Scottish people on independence is the best or only way to protect Scotland’s interests in the wake of the EU referendum. In stark contrast with the UK Government, we have a clear plan of action.”

The consultation runs until January 11 next year.

Nicola Sturgeon announces SNP will publish bill on second independence referendum next week