Scotland unveils measure for new independence referendum

The Scottish government published a draft bill Thursday to pave the way for a second independence referendum to potentially cut formal ties with Britain.

It follows an announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last weekend at the Scottish National Party (SNP) annual conference in Glasgow that a re-run of the independence vote would be considered as part of Britain's Brexit negotiations.

Sturgeon said a referendum will only be held if it is felt necessary to protect Scotland's interests.

A draft referendum bill was formally unveiled by Constitution Secretary Derek Mackay. But permission for a second vote would be needed from the Westminster government in London.

In a foreword to a consultation document, published as part of the new moves, Sturgeon has outlined why she wants the option for a new referendum that could see Scotland leaving Britain.

Although Britain voted by a margin of 52 to 40 in the June 23 referendum to leave the European Union (EU), there was overwhelming support in Scotland to remain a member of the EU.

Despite the vote in Scotland, the Brexit result across Britain means Scotland's ties with the EU would also be severed.

Sturgeon said: "This government remains willing to work with the UK government to negotiate a future relationship with Europe that is in line with the views of the overwhelming majority of the Scottish people and which works for the United Kingdom as a whole."

"But if it becomes clear that it is only through independence that Scotland's interests can be protected, then the people of Scotland must have the ability to reconsider that question, and to do so before the UK leaves the EU," she added.

The proposals announced Thursday state that any future referendum would be held on a similar basis to the 2014 referendum. That vote saw people in Scotland reject independence by 55 percent to 45 percent.

The new measure would see Scottish voters being asked the same straight "yes-no" question, "Should Scotland be an independent country?" The Scottish government has reserved the right to submit a proposal for different wording on any ballot paper.

The draft bill also makes it clear that the Scottish government in Edinburgh would need permission from Westminster to hold a new referendum. The new proposals will now undergo a public consultation. Endit