First Minister Demands Referendum Powers as Scottish Independence Bill Published

Scotland's First Minister has explicitly called for the transfer of powers required to hold a new independence referendum. This demand follows the release of a draft bill detailing the legal and logistical framework for such a ballot.

The draft legislation, titled the 'Referendum (Scotland) Bill', has been published by the Scottish Government. It outlines the specific question to be put to voters: 'Should Scotland be an independent country?'. The bill also specifies that the Scottish Parliament would introduce the legislation once the requisite powers are granted by the UK Government.

A spokesperson for the UK Government reiterated its position, stating that 2014's referendum result was decisive and should be respected. They stressed that the government's focus remains on working collaboratively with the Scottish Government on issues of public concern across the UK.

The First Minister's administration has previously indicated a preference for a referendum by the close of 2023. However, the legal authority to hold such a vote currently rests with the Westminster Parliament.