Scotland wants to hold an “advisory” referendum on its independence

The Scots again called to vote for their independence? “I can announce that the Scottish Government proposes that the independence referendum be held on October 19, 2023,” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told local parliament on Tuesday. But to organize it, the leader of the independence party SNP, will have to obtain the agreement of the British government. But he strongly opposes it.

The Scots had already been consulted on the subject in 2014 and had voted 55% to remain within the United Kingdom. Building on that previous vote, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson argues that such a referendum can only happen “once in a generation”.

Brexit has changed the game

The SNP, however, believes that Brexit has been a game-changer, with Scots opposing it by 62%. The SNP’s aim is for Scotland to join the European Union as an independent state. Nicola Sturgeon said she was ready to negotiate with Boris Johnson but warned she would not allow “Scottish democracy to be held captive by Boris Johnson or any Prime Minister”.

Before this speech, Boris Johnson reiterated his commitment to the unity of the kingdom. “We certainly think our plan for a stronger economy works better when the UK is united than when it is not,” the Conservative leader told British television on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 in Germany.