Second independence referendum draft bill due to be published

Nicola Sturgeon speaks at the SNP conference in Glasgow (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

A draft bill for a second referendum on Scottish independence is due to be published by Constitution Secretary Derek Mackay.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced at the SNP conference last week that a formal consultation on the legislation would begin within days.

The SNP leader told delegates that Scots should have the ability to reconsider the issue in light of the vote for Brexit and to do so before the UK leaves the European Union (EU).

Speaking in advance of the Bill’s publication, Ms Sturgeon said: “This government was elected on a specific manifesto pledge that the Scottish Parliament should be able to consider an independence referendum if there was a material change in circumstances, such as Scotland being taken out of the European Union against its will.

“The country now faces exactly that prospect, including the likelihood of it being a hard Brexit with all the additional damage that will do to Scotland’s economy and jobs, which is why this bill is being published for consultation.”

Ms Sturgeon, who is due to meet Prime Minister Theresa May in London on Monday, said efforts to protect Scotland’s place in Europe would intensify over the coming weeks.

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.

Ms Sturgeon added: “However, if it becomes clear that it is the best or only way of safeguarding Scotland’s interests – and in line with our manifesto commitment – parliament must be able to consider the option of an independence referendum, to allow the people of Scotland to vote on independence before the UK leaves the EU.

“I am determined to ensure that Scotland has the ability to make that choice if it is necessary to protect our vital interests.

“If there is an independence referendum, it will not be because the result of the 2014 referendum has not been respected – it will be because the promises made to Scotland have not been kept.

“Every part of Scotland voted to remain in Europe but a Tory government with just one MP out of 59 is now threatening to drag us out of the EU – that is the stark reality of the situation we have been placed in, as a government and a nation.

“But all of the efforts we are making to protect our place in Europe, including through independence if it proves necessary, involve this government standing up for Scotland’s best interests.

“The consultation beginning today will ensure that a referendum bill, if it is the chosen route, will – like the 2014 referendum – meet the gold standard of democracy and fairness.”

The Scottish Government has said it will propose a statement to the Scottish Parliament next week to update MSPs on developments.

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