Agence France-Presse reports:
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Friday said she was ready to step up the campaign for Scottish independence, as Brexit has set the country on the “wrong road.” In a speech in Edinburgh, the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) said Britain’s departure from the European Union was a “pivotal moment” for the U.K. and Scotland.
“As of 11 p.m. tonight the U.K. that Scotland voted to remain part of, a U.K. inside the EU, the status quo that a majority voted for, will no longer exist,” she said. “There will be a material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014,” she said, referring to the last referendum on Scottish independence.
The Scotsman reports:
Nicola Sturgeon has warned she may be prepared to press ahead with plans for a “consultative” referendum on independence without the UK Government if Boris Johnson continues to rule out a repeat of the 2014 vote on leaving the UK.
Setting out the next steps in the campaign for independence on Brexit Day, Ms Sturgeon also revealed plans to establish a new “constitutional convention” to establish a new Claim of Right and forge a broader campaign for a Yes vote.
The First Minister warned that the legal position on whether the Scottish Parliament could stage such a vote is “unclear” but that she may be ready to test this in court and rejected claims it would be a “wildcat” vote.
Bold and determined words from @NicolaSturgeon, ‘we will make the case for Scottish Independence with passion, patience and respect’ ???????? pic.twitter.com/M5Nka7CUMg
— Hannah Bardell MP ????????️? (@HannahB4LiviMP) January 31, 2020
Excellent speech from @NicolaSturgeon giving leadership to the people of Scotland as @BorisJohnson takes Scotland out of The EU against our will. @theSNP will step up its campaign for indy and respectfully engage with undecided voters. Scotland will determine its own future.
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) January 31, 2020