Scotland’s nationalists debate over ‘vote’

Bloomberg

Scotland’s nationalists are reviving their debate over how to push for another independence vote amid growing tension with the government in London over everything from the handling of the coronavirus pandemic to how to pay for the recovery. Two prominent Scottish National Party members of the UK Parliament called on the semi-autonomous administration in Edinburgh to explore how to hold another referendum on creating a separate state. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to sanction a vote.
Writing in two Scottish
newspapers, Joanna Cherry and Kenny MacAskill called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to develop a “Plan B” for a referendum that could be endorsed by the courts under existing laws. The last vote, in 2014, came after the government in London transferred the power to hold one. The result was 55% to 45% in favor of remaining in the UK.
Scotland’s pro-independence government has clashed with London over its handling of
the pandemic as the UK recorded Europe’s highest death toll. There’s also tension over the money needed to spur an economic revival and Scotland’s opposition to leaving the European Union.
Sturgeon renewed her call for an independence referendum after the SNP won by the far
the most Scottish districts in December’s UK election, which propelled Johnson back into power to deliver Brexit because of a surge in support for his Conservatives in England.
The Scottish leader has said the SNP must build the case for independence with the electorate so the UK has no choice but to sanction a vote, while some in her party are keen to force one. Support for independence has risen to 54%, according to a Panelbase poll of 1,070 adults between June 15 and 19.