UK: Scotland to hold new independence referendum after Brexit – Sturgeon

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday that Scotland should hold a new referendum on independence from the UK after Brexit.

The first minister told the parliament in Edinburgh it must "avoid the mistakes that have caused so much division over Brexit, and instead bring people together to focus on finding the common ground that does, I believe, exist between us."

Sturgeon said "our aim must be to act in a completely different manner to the UK government and parliament. The fact is, presiding officer, based on the evidence of the last three years, Westminster has failed. It has failed to protect Scotland's interest, it has failed to reach consensus, and it has degenerated into utter chaos."

"I can confirm that the Scottish Government will act to ensure that the option of giving people a choice of independence later in this term of parliament is progressed. We will shortly introduce legislation to set the rules for any referendum," she said.

A previous Scottish referendum on independence was defeated 55% to 45% during a vote in 2014 that was billed as a once-in-a-generation chance. During the 2016 referendum on the UK leaving the European Union, Scotland voted strongly to remain.

Mandatory credit: The Scottish Parliament