Debate surrounding Scottish independence has spanned decades, highlighted by the historic 2014 referendum in which voters chose to remain part of the United Kingdom. However, significant political shifts—most notably Brexit—have fundamentally altered the landscape, prompting First Minister John Swinney and the SNP to renew their push for a second vote. Marking a major milestone in this campaign, the Scottish Parliament has now officially voted to endorse independence by publishing a draft Independence Referendum Bill.
The draft Referendum Bill asks: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.’
While the UK Government is against Scottish Independence and the referendum, the Scottish Government is determined to make it happen. However, the UK Supreme Court determined in 2022 that any future independence referendum cannot proceed without formal approval from the UK Government.
The Bill will be brought forward to the parliament “once the necessary powers are secured”, and is part of the Scottish Government’s 100 days programme.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.
“While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to invest in their public services – often without a fraction of the abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.
“In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
“This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date. It provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.
“Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK Government delivered.
“I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks. Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”
You can find the full draft of the Independence Referendum Bill here.
