MSPs set to vote on plans for second independence referendum

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MSPs set to vote on plans for second independence referendum

MSPs are set to vote on a motion that proposes starting the process of holding a second independence referendum.

First Minister John Swinney is set to ask parliament to formally request the transfer of powers from the UK government to Scotland to allow a referendum on independence to be held.

The Scottish government has scheduled a statement and debate titled "Ambitious for Scotland", giving Swinney his first chance to outline his five‑year vision.

The vote is likely to pass, with over 70 MSPs backing independence. However, the prime minister has previously said he wouldn't back the move.

Swinney announced the plan after pledging a debate on parliament's first day following the new government's appointment.

MSPs will vote on a motion on Tuesday that requests that the parliament welcomes the "emphatic democratic mandate for bold and ambitious reform backed by the people of Scotland at the Scottish General Election."

It continues with a call on the UK government to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence.

The motion will be followed by a debate and vote.

During the election campaign, Swinney said that a majority for the SNP would be a mandate for a second referendum – however the party did not achieve this.

In a debate, Swinney said it was "perfectly conceivable" that a vote on the constitution could be held within two years.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said the request had come as the Scottish Parliament now consists of the "highest number of pro-independence MSPs ever elected" when the number of SNP and Green members are combined.

She said: "This SNP government is hitting the ground running to deliver what we promised to the people of Scotland.

"With the highest number of pro-independence MSPs ever elected, the mandate for a referendum could not be clearer – and it is democratically unsustainable for Westminster to refuse to listen to the verdict of the people of Scotland."

A second independence referendum would need to be signed off by the UK government.

However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he cannot imagine another vote taking place during his time in 10 Downing Street.

A spokesman for Downing Street previously said the prime minister had made it clear to the first minister that his government did "not support independence or another referendum".

Both the SNP and Scottish Greens support independence, while all other parties oppose it.

Analysis:

During the election campaign, John Swinney talked about a majority victory for his party being the catalyst for a second independence referendum.

But it became clear at an event less than two weeks before polling day, that the First Minister would be pursuing his case – SNP majority or not.

Setting out his plans for the first 100 days of his party returning to government, he promised to bring forward a vote to approve demands for the powers to hold a fresh ballot.

In the aftermath of the result, he's reframed his argument – stating that Holyrood's largest ever pro-indy majority cannot be ignored.

But it looks unlikely this will make a difference to the UK government – whose ministers have already signalled they've no intention of agreeing to another referendum, and who are pre-occupied by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Prime Minister's own future.

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