- The Scottish Parliament has no right to call a referendum.
- This was announced by the highest British court in London.
- The judges followed the arguments of the British government.
In October 2023, Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon wanted her compatriots to vote on independence from Great Britain. But nothing will come of it.
The UK Supreme Court in London has ruled that the UK government’s approval is required. “The Scottish Parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on Scottish independence,” said Chief Justice Robert Reed.
UK central government rejects second referendum With the decision of the highest court, the referendum planned by the Scottish regional government for October 2023 is impossible.
matter affecting the whole country
The decision was unanimous, Reed said. For the court, it is clear that a law on an independence referendum is a matter that affects the whole country and is therefore outside the power of the regional parliament.
Legend:
Pro-Scottish independence supporters protest outside the UK Supreme Court in London.
Reuters/Peter Nicholls
“A lawfully held referendum would have important political consequences for the Union and the UK Parliament,” the judge said. “It would either strengthen or weaken the Union’s democratic legitimacy and the UK Parliament’s sovereignty over Scotland.”
The proposed bill is therefore more than just a loose connection with matters reserved for the central government.
Brexit changes the situation
In the first referendum in 2014, a majority of Scots voted to remain in the union with Great Britain. For London, the question is thus decided in the long term.
Scottish Prime Minister Sturgeon argues that Brexit, which the Scots clearly rejected in 2016, has changed the situation. She wants to lead an independent Scotland back into the EU. In Parliament in Edinburgh, pro-independence is in the majority.
In the afternoon, numerous people wanted to demonstrate in several Scottish cities for the independence of their part of the country. Smaller protests were also planned in some European cities such as Munich.