In 2014, the nationalists lost a first referendum: 55 percent of Scots voted to keep the link with the United Kingdom. However, in 2016, the UK left the European Union, while a majority of Scots wanted to stay in the EU.
As circumstances have changed, Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, deemed a second referendum warranted. She announced an advisory referendum for October 19, 2023, provided it would be legal and internationally recognized.
No permission
However, the British government has indicated that it will not authorize a second referendum. According to the government, such a vote can only take place once in a generation. According to polls, the Scots are very divided: the number of supporters and opponents of independence would be about the same.
According to the UK Supreme Court, the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to call a referendum itself. The Parliament of the UK in London has authority over all matters pertaining to the Union between England and Scotland, the Court ruled.