The issue of Scottish independence is not going away anytime soon. Throughout Brexit discussions in parliament thus far, the voice of Scotland hasn't been listened to. Such dismissal of Scotland's voice has led to increased calls for Scottish independence from the SNP.
After the supreme court voted against a bill to grant Scotland and the devolved nations the power to negotiate one on one with Theresa May, the Prime Minister told the devolved nations that they would have no veto on her Brexit vote. Scotland's Brexit minister, Mike Russell, recently claimed that Westminster has 'reneged on promises' made during the EU referendum.
Joanna Cherry: listen to Scotland or face another referendum
Subsequently, the SNP's demands for a second independence referendum have grown louder, with SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, stating that she could trigger another referendum next month if Scotland's voice isn't listened to. Yesterday, in a symbolic act, Holyrood voted against the Brexit bill. Today, joanna cherry, the SNP's justice and home affairs spokesperson, echoed Nicola Sturgeon's calls for Scottish independence, given Scotland's vote to remain in the European Union.
In Cherry's speech to Westminster, she said: 'The Scottish government is still waiting for a response to our plan for Brexit. For the time being, we are prepared to have faith in the Prime Minister's assurances that Scotland's Brexit wishes will be taken into consideration by Theresa May and her government'.
'We will hold a second referendum if we aren't listened to'
Cherry continued, stating: 'We fully expect the government to make good on their promises. If, however, the government fail to keep their word, we will hold a second referendum, which we are entitled to do so considering the change in circumstances since 2014'. Cherry proceeded to show the House of Commons The Herald newspaper, which estimated nearly 50 per cent of Scottish people want Scottish independence.
One of the key issues for Scotland is remaining in the single market and avoiding a hard Brexit. However, Prime Minister Theresa May has continually said that there is no such thing as a 'hard or soft' Brexit.
