Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for a new referendum on independence for Scotland, something which could cause chaos for British leaders as they prepare to break with the European Union.
Scotland's first minister hopes to push the Scottish Parliament to authorizatize the move next week with a possible vote in fall 2018 or spring 2019, reported the Washington Post.
A referendum on Scottish independence failed in 2014, losing by a 55 to 45 percent margin. Last June, voters in the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, 52 to 48 percent. However, 62 percent of Scots voted to remain in the union.
Britain is currently undergoing negotiations in the split from the EU, which could take two years to finalize. A second referendum for Scottish independence could make matters even more difficult. Scotland could seek membership in the EU if the vote succeeds as the rest of the UK breaks from it.
A referendum and vote for independence could cause economic turmoil in the region that would be far worse than the predictions made by opponents of splitting from the EU, said Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of Scotland’s Democratic Unionist Party, the Telegraph reported.
Dodds said Sturgeon has ignored the wishes of the majority of people in Scotland.
“People have said time and again they do not want to go back to the division of a second referendum,” he charged.
The move “sets Scotland on a course for more uncertainty and division creating huge uncertainty,” warned Theresa May, prime minister of the UK. She accused Sturgeon and supporters of playing politics.
“Politics is not a game,” May said.
Scotland Secretary David Mundell called Sturgeon’s attempt “irresponsible” as British leaders and the Scottish government try to “ensure that we get the best deal for Scotland and the rest of the UK as we leave the EU.”
Scottish leaders have been considering proposals to remain in the EU even if the rest of the UK leaves, according to the BBC. Still, Sturgeon said Scottish voters should be given the choice of a “hard Brexit” or becoming an independent country.
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