Earlier today First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon announced that she will seek approval from the UK Government to hold a second independence referendum in the wake of Brexit. This follows many debates and discussions on whether this should or even could happen, given that the last referendum was in 2014 and the result was a resounding “No” to Scotland being independent. Many believed this should be the final result because the country voted in their millions and the opinion of the people was clear.
However, on the 23rd June 2016, the UK voted on whether to “Leave” or “Remain” in the European Union, whatever the outcome would be the UK was voting as a whole and the majority would rule. The results came in at 52% voted to Leave and 48% voted to Remain. Hardly a landslide, but the stone was cast. To break this down even further Scotland (as a part of the UK) voted 62% Remain and 38% Leave, meaning their collective view was to stay in the European Union, but because of they were voting as a part of Great Britain and the UK, they will have to leave the EU.
Unless Nicola Sturgeon gets her way. Many believe that the grounds for Scottish Independence have changed post Brexit because clearly Scotland wanted to Remain a part of the EU, but because they are a part of Great Britain and the UK they will have to leave. Sort of like if you’re at a party with your friend and you want to stay and they want to leave, but they’re driving so you have to go. So Scotland, in this case are looking to get their own car, AKA, their own independence so they can govern themselves and stay within the EU.
So. what does this mean for the UK? If the First Minister is granted permission to hold a second referendum, it means two more years of gruelling ad campaigns and bitchy stints on Question Time where the SNP and Labour will surely eat each other alive. It also means the potential for a Great Britain minus Scotland, if they do decide to captain their own ship. I don’t know how Scotland will vote in a second referendum, I don’t know if Brexit will scare the voters in to independence. But I do know it would be a great shame if Great Britain were to loose Scotland, as I believe we are stronger together at the same table, rather than shouting at each other from a far.
