MSPs to vote on plans for second independence referendum

MSPs are set to vote on a motion that will propose the beginning of the process to hold a second independence referendum.  

First Minister John Swinney will ask the Scottish Parliament this afternoon to formally request that the UK Government transfer the powers required to hold an independence referendum.

The Scottish Government has scheduled a statement and a debate titled “Ambitious for Scotland”, in which Swinney will outline his plans for the session of parliament.

Most opposition leaders are expected to put forward amendments to the motion.  

If successful, it would affirm that Holyrood welcomes the “emphatic democratic mandate for bold and ambitious reform backed by the people of Scotland at the Scottish General Election”.  

It also calls 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, and “agrees that the parliament is at its best when it works together in pursuit of a country that can be confident in its future”.

With the SNP’s 57 seats, along with the Scottish Greens’ 15, it is likely the vote will pass.

However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously stated in June last year that he would not grant a second referendum while he is in the role.