Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs she plans to hold an independence referendum by the end of next year.
The First Minister said Brexit-stricken Scots should get to vote on breaking away from the UK during this parliament, which is due to end in 2021.
The SNP leader told Holyrood that the people of Scotland will be “offered a choice on independence” within the “lifetime of this parliament” if Scotland is taken out of the EU, adding the wait cannot go on “indefinitely”.
Given the time required in the lead-up to a Holyrood vote in May 2021, the independence ballot would have to take place by the end of 2020, under Ms Sturgeon’s timetable.
She told fellow MSPs: “To rush into an immediate decision before a Brexit path has been determined would not allow for an informed choice.
“However, if we are to safeguard Scotland’s interests we cannot wait indefinitely.
“That is why I consider that a choice between Brexit and a future for Scotland as an independent, European nation should be offered in the lifetime of this parliament.
“If Scotland is to be taken out of the EU, the option of a referendum independence within that timescale must be open to us.
“That would be our route to avoiding the worst of the damage Brexit will do.”
The ministerial statement on Brexit and Scotland’s Future in the Scottish Parliament got under way at 1.30pm on Wednesday.
Mrs Strugeon added the Scottish Government is getting the ball rolling on legislation to allow them to hold a second independence referendum.
She told parliament: “The question that confronts us confronts all of us if the status quo is not fit for purpose…how do we fix that? And can we do so in a way that maximises consensus rather than amplifying our difference?
“These are not easy challenges but those of us who sit in this chamber, all of us who sit in this chamber, are elected to represent the national interest.
“We have a duty to rise to that challenge, to stand in each other’s shoes and find a way forward. Nobody expects us to abandon deeply held beliefs.
“I will argue that independence offers the best future. That case for independence is even stronger now given the profound changes that have taken place in the UK since 2014.
“While Scotland’s interests have been ignored by the UK, independent Ireland’s have been strengthened by the EU. Scotland should be a thriving and driving force within Europe, instead we face being forced to the margins.
“Independence by contrast would allow us to protect our place in Europe. It would mean that decisions against our will and contrary to our interests cannot be imposed by Westminster.”
In her 30-minute address to the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon admitted she needed Westminster approval to ensure the credibility of a second independence referendum, ruling out the possibility of a “wildcat” referendum.
She also outlined plans to convene a citizens assembly and hold cross-party talks in Holyrood to find a way forward for Scotland’s constitutional status.
The SNP leader started her speech by expressing “regret and anger” at the “money and effort” put into preparing for the outcome of a no-deal Brexit.
Scottish Conservative caretaker leader Jackson Carlaw described Ms Sturgeon’s statement as “inherently divisive”.
“Astonishingly, the way Nicola Sturgeon thinks we can come together is for Scotland to be plunged into another divisive referendum within the next 18 months,” he siad.
“That is frankly absurd. The SNP’s plan is clearly to divide families, workplaces and communities all over again, and for the foreseeable future.
“That is not what the majority of Scotland wants. People have had enough of constitutional politics and division.
“Yet, with the SNP, more of this is now inevitable.”
Sturgeon says Scotland must have option to vote on independence before May 2021
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
FM says she will progress legislation for holding another independence referendum
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
Sturgeon claims there is polling showing that Scotland wants another indyref. Some quizzical faces in the chamber
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
Sturgeon says SG has ‘scaled down’ no-deal planning but expresses anger at the wasted cost and time of putting arrangements in place
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
‘Toxic combination of dishonesty and incompetence’ from Tories that has led UK from Brexit vote to where we are now, says Sturgeon
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
Sturgeon claims her party has done everything possible to avert this Brexit crisis
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
Grumblings from Tory benches as Sturgeon lists arguments for why ‘status quo is broken’ under Union system
— Gareth McPherson (@C_GMcPherson) April 24, 2019
The debate is continuing and can be watched here.
From 1.30pm:
?? Ministerial Statement: Brexit and Scotland’s Future
❓ Portfolio Questions
? ? @scotgp debates: Health; Green New Deal for Scotland
? Debate from @GeorgeAdam: #MSAwarenessWeekThe Brexit statement will have live #BSL interpretation: https://t.co/oWMnIKNvPz pic.twitter.com/OcPP1XZpYH
— Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) April 24, 2019
