Scottish independence has been a topic discussed for many years, with the first referendum held in 2014. While the people initially voted to stay within the UK, much has changed in the country since, such as the UK leaving the European Union. Thus, First Minister John Swinney and the SNP have been campaigning to make the second independence referendum happen. And now, the Scottish Government has voted to officially back Scottish independence.
A vote has been held on Tuesday, May 26, with the majority of Scottish MSPs voting for independence, while Labour, Reform, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MSPs have opposed it. However, a record number of pro-independence MSPs have been elected, with the SNP and Scottish Greens making up 72 seats in total against 55.
The motion also brought up eradicating child poverty in Scotland, improving the NHS and public services, growing the economy, bringing down the cost of living and hitting its climate targets, as well as its commitment to rejoin the European Union.
Both Scottish Labour and Conservative leaders, Anas Sarwar and Russell Findlay, accused the First Minister of being “obsessed” with independence. Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord said the country should not have a referendum for at least another 10 years.
However, Scottish Greens have backed independence, with co-leader Ross Greer believing it could help the country improve its affordable energy strategies and help tackle poverty. The Scottish Greens leader also referred to those who opposed the independence referendum as doing “desperate mental gymnastics” to deny Scottish democracy.
The Scottish Government posted on their social media on May 26, saying: “The Scottish Parliament has voted to back calls for a referendum on Scottish independence.
First Minister John Swinney calls for UK Government to agree a Section 30 order.”
What is more, Scotland is not the only one having talks of breaking off from the UK, as both Wales and Northern Ireland now have pro-independence First Ministers.
What’s next?
The First Minister is set to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in June, where he intends to bring up the topic of the independence referendum.
However, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The UK Government does not support independence or another referendum.
“People need and want their governments focused on the issues that really matter — economic growth, the cost of living, and public services. Our focus must be on delivery, not division.”
“The Scottish Government has work to do using the powers that it has to get the basics right, from the ferry network to our NHS and helping people with the cost of living.
“Ahead of 2014, there was agreement across all parties, across civic society in Scotland and across the Scottish and UK parliaments that there should be a referendum. There is no such consensus now.”
In response to Downing Street’s statement, First Minister John Swinney said: “We are the people, we are the people’s parliament, and we say yes”, in the words of Canon Kenyon Wright.
He continued: “Today is the start of a process that I believe will lead Westminster to a yes to a referendum, and Scotland to a yes to independence.
“Today, I seek confirmation from this parliament that this is a voluntary Union and that the people of Scotland have the right to decide whether we remain in that Union.
“That is a principle that should be accepted by all those in this chamber who believe in independence but also all those who believe in the Union.”
