First Minister: Indyref2 will happen by 2021 due to Brexit

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed she wants a second independence referendum by 2021 if the country is taken out of the European Union.

Citing the paralysis in Westminster over Brexit, she told parliament that legislation will be developed over the coming months with a key component being cross-party cooperation.

As a first step she proposed cross-party talks to discuss which powers other parties believe should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to “better protect” the country’s economic and social interests.

There will also be plans for a citizens’ assembly to seek views of the public on how best to equip Holyrood for future challenges that may emerge from Brexit.

But a firm objective is to “protect and progress” an independence referendum as an option by introducing a framework Bill that will determine the rules and principles for any new vote.

First Minister Sturgeon said: “It is now time for this parliament, for all parties represented here, to take charge.

"The Westminster system of government does not serve Scotland’s interests and the devolution settlement, in its current form, is now seen to be utterly inadequate to the task of protecting those interests. In other words, the status quo is broken.

“The immediate opportunity we now have is to help stop Brexit for the whole UK – and we should seize that opportunity. But if that cannot be achieved, dealing with the consequences of Brexit and facing up to its challenges will be unavoidable. I believe that the case for independence is stronger than ever. And I will make that case.

“But I know others take a different view. So, as we take the necessary legislative steps over the next few months, I will also seek to open up space for us to come together and find areas of agreement as mature politicians should.”

But Scottish Secretary David Mundell said that Ms Sturgeon will have a fight on her hands as supporters of the UK government would “stand up” for those who voted “no” in the referendum.

“People in Scotland voted decisively in 2014 to remain part of the UK, on a promise that the referendum would settle the issue for a generation,” he said.

“Instead of respecting that result, Nicola Sturgeon continues to press for divisive constitutional change when it is clear that most people in Scotland do not want another independence referendum. The UK government will stand up for them.

“Nicola Sturgeon needs to listen to the views of the Scottish people and concentrate on improving Scotland’s economy and schools, not continually trying to orchestrate upheaval and division.”

But the SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “I welcome the First Minister’s well measured and inclusive statement today which paved Scotland’s route to independence throughout the continuing Brexit uncertainty.

“The Scottish Parliament should have the right to give people in Scotland a choice over their future – if we are taken out of the EU and the terms of Brexit are clear – in the current term of parliament.

“In direct contrast to the Westminster Brexit process, we are seeking to move forward by consensus. We must endeavour to raise our debate above the chaos that Westminster consistently presents.

“I, along with my SNP colleagues at Westminster, will continue to present a realistic vision of Scotland as a beacon of progressiveness at the heart of Europe.”

That was supported by Mr Blackford's colleague in Westminster MP Drew Hendry, he said: "Brexit has focused people’s minds on how we are governed, and many don’t like what is on offer at Westminster.

"They have watched our Scottish Parliament; the Scottish Government and our MPs in Scotland be ignored throughout the Brexit process. It is only right they are now given the choice between a future in a Brexit UK, or as an independent Scotland in the EU, along with Ireland and the 11 EU member states with smaller populations than Scotland.

"The First Minister has set out our case for independence, it is now up to the other Scottish parties, who don't agree, to set out how they propose to protect the future for our young people, our communities and our economy.

"I am particularly looking forward to seeing the work of the Citizens Assembly and to taking forward the message of a fairer and more prosperous Scotland, as an independent European nation," he added.

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