Sturgeon said he respected the decision but would continue to fight for independence, believing that “the democratic right to choose our own future” as Scots was at stake.
At a press conference in Edinburgh, the Prime Minister insisted that the path to independence must be “legal and democratic.” Scottish independence is “a must,” she said.
“We will find another democratic, legal and constitutional means by which the Scottish people can express their will”he stated.
Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014 and just over 55% voted to remain part of the United Kingdom, but the Scottish nationalist government believes that the country’s departure from the European Union (EU) in 2020 necessitated a second consultation.
A five-judge panel issued the decision Wednesday morning after the Supreme Court heard the case during a two-day session last month.
It is a “clear and final” sentence, said the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, calling on both executives to “work together” in a “constructive, collaborative, in association” way in a context of serious economic crisis in the Kingdom United.
UK Chief Justice Robert Reed said in the ruling that Scotland’s Home Rule Parliament has no constitutional power to pass a legal framework under which to call a new referendum.
“Scotland Law gives limited powers to the Scottish Parliament, and the power to call a referendum is ‘reserved’ to the UK Parliament, located in London, the Chief Justice explained.
Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that next week she will seek Parliament’s approval to hold a second consultation on staying in the UK.
The Scottish Government had argued that it could hold a legal vote, but the UK Government rejected this and the case went to the High Court.
Sturgeon’s Scottish National Party (SNP) says that as most Scots voted against Brexit in the 2016 referendum, it is necessary to reiterate the independence referendum that had been held two years earlier.
Polls over the past eight years suggest that the electorate in Scotland is divided.
Sturgeon He also stated that, in Scotland, the next general election in the United Kingdom, scheduled for 2025, will be a “de facto referendum” on independence.
The official announced that a special party conference will be called next year to establish a manifesto for the vote.
For his part, The British Government’s Minister for Scotland, Alister Jack, said he respected the ruling and called on the Scottish and British governments to turn the page and focus on issues that are important to the people of Scotland.
“People in Scotland want their two governments to focus all their attention and resources on the issues that matter most to them,” he stressed.
“That’s why we focus on issues like restoring economic stability, giving people the help they need with their energy bills and supporting our NHS”he added.
Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar welcomed the ruling, saying people in Scotland want change, but not another referendum or independence.
Protests in front of the Court
In the meantime, In front of the Supreme Court in London, a dozen Scottish independentists protested against the ruling raising their blue and white flags.
“This raises questions about the nature of the UK, we are constantly being told that this is a voluntary union,” said Philippa Whitford MP, AFP reported.
“This is an ownership relationship and we are the property,” denounced David Simpson, a 70-year-old retiree.
In Edinburgh, the protests were bigger. “Nobody allows us to express our opinion,” lamented Gerard Clarke, 74, while with him David Turner assured that the sentence will strengthen support for “a no-return towards independence.”
However, outside the regional Parliament, anti-independence protesters also demonstrated with banners reading “We want to stay in the UK”.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
