Scottish ministers start work on new independence referendum bill

Scottish ministers are to begin perparing legislation to enable a second independence referendum,Fist Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today.

Speaking at a press conference convened in the aftermath of the outcome of the EU referendum vote, Ms Sturgeon said it would be "democratically unacceptable" for Scotland to be taken out of the EU against its will.

In the vote, Scotland backed remaining in the EU by 62% to 38% whereas across the UK as a whole, the vote was 52% to 48% to leave.

The First Minister stated that it was her duty to respond to the democratic decision of the people of Scotland and to act in the interests of all Scotland. The cabinet would meet tomorrow (Saturday) to discuss the situation; she had spoken to the Governor of the Bank of England on his plans for financial stability; and ministers were in discussions with business leaders.

She had also insisted to Prime Minister David Cameron that the Scottish Government be fully involved  in the next steps to be taken by the UK Government – a commitment already made by Mr Cameron in his statement earlier this morning.

Discussions would also be held with the EU institutions, and she was communicating with each of the other EU heads of state to emphasise Scotland's position and to "discuss all options" for Scotland to remain in the EU. 

Referring to the SNP manifesto commitment for the Holyrood elections in May, that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there were a significant or material change of circumstances such as a UK vote to leave, she confirmed that the option of a second referendum "must be on the table and is on the table".

It would not be right to "rush to judgment" on how the EU would view Scotland's position, but when the article 50 withdrawal process was triggered, the UK "will be on the path to the exit door, so we must hold the referendum within that [two year] timescale". 

Legislation would be prepared now, so that the referendum could be held "if and when Parliament so decides".

Replying to questions, Ms Sturgeon said that a referendum was "highl;y likely" but it was important to take time to consider possible steps and have discussions with the other governments. Her Government would seek the consent of Westminster as with the first referendum, but she thought it "inconceivable" that it would stand in the way given the circumstances.

Admitting that the challenges were "not straightforward", she agreed when asked about the possibility of an EU border with England that that was one of the issues that would have to be considered and assessed calmly.

It was her priority to act in the best interests of Scotland, "and in ways that will unite and not divide".