Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, has led calls for there to be a second referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. But as we dissect the subject matter, certain questions do need to be asked. First of all, why does the First Minister want another referendum? And secondly, why is Westminster opposed to such a measure?
Why another referendum?
Before we proceed, let us examine the circumstances. The Independent newspaper reported that Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for hold a second referendum as a result of Brexit. Ms Sturgeon claimed that the fact that Scotland was being "ignored on an issue as important as the EU" makes it clear that "our voice can be ignored at any time and on any issue".
It is in relation to this as to why those in power in Scotland do want a second vote. In responding to the first question, why, it seems to essentially boil down to control. Sturgeon reiterated this by stating that "it would be wrong for Scotland to be taken down a path that it has no control" over the consequences for "our economy, for our society, for our place in the world" and in addition for "our very sense of who we are as a country".
Why are the UK government against such a move?
One issue is that, with Brexit needing to happen, the country does not need "more uncertainty", as the Scotsman site reported. This viewpoint was reiterated by Prime Minister Theresa May, who stated that the referendum call "sets Scotland on a course for more uncertainty and division, creating huge uncertainty", as reported in the Independent newspaper.
There was also the point made to deal with today's problems instead of thinking too far ahead. May stated that "instead of playing politics with the future of our country" the Scottish Government "should focus on delivering good government and public services for the people of Scotland". It is also worth mentioning the opinions of the general public in both England and Scotland.
With regards to the former, in a survey conducted in 2014 it found out that 59 percent said that they would like the Union to stay intact. Furthermore, even with regards to the latter, there were similar reservations. In January of this year the Panelbase survey found that 51 percent of voters were not supportive of a second independence referendum.
Is it not hypocritical?
Whilst there may be general opposition to another referendum, can it not be argued that there is an element of hypocrisy at the situation? One of the main reasons behind the public's decision to leave the European Union was the threat to their sovereignty. It was claimed that global organisations such as the EU "take control away from individual nations" as reported on the Forbes website. But is this not the same argument put forward by the Scottish government. They want to govern alone, to be their own country and to stop being told what to do by Westminster. Whilst it may not be the right time, it is the time however to give the Scottish people control and sovereignty too; just as the British people wanted from the EU.
