Scottish Parliament votes to propose referendum to leave UK

On March 22, the Scottish Parliament voted on a proposal to hold a new referendum on the possibility of leaving the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The vote comes a week before Britain begins negotiations to leave the European Union.

Speaking to MPs, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised the idea that Scotland must leave the European Union if it wants to become an independent country and demanded to be given “undeniable democratic responsibility” to hold the consultation.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addresses Parliament. Photo: AFP

The document is expected to pass without any obstacles, as the Scottish National Party has a majority in Parliament.

Last week, Scottish First Minister Sturgeon announced her intention to hold a new referendum on Scottish independence in late 2018 or early 2019, arguing that Britain's departure from the European Union and especially the European single market would go against Scotland's wishes and risk causing tens of thousands of jobs to be lost.

In the first consultation on the issue in September 2014, 55% of Scottish voters opposed separation from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

However, according to Ms Sturgeon, the situation has changed and now there are 625% of Scottish voters in favour of remaining in the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has warned Scotland that now is not a good time to hold this referendum, in the context of Britain about to enter difficult negotiations on leaving the European Union, expected to last 2 years.

Once approved by Parliament, Scotland's request to hold a referendum will have to receive the consent of the British government and then be put to a vote before the UK Parliament./.

According to VOV