SNP Supreme Court application published

The SNP has published its application to intervene in the case before the Supreme Court on whether the Scottish Government can legislate for an independence referendum.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain has made a reference to the court, asking it to a rule on a matter which is of “fundamental constitutional and public importance”.

It followed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement that she plans to hold a referendum next year whether or not the UK Government grants the powers to do so via a Section 30 Order.

The SNP has now published its application to intervene in the case before the Supreme Court, which is due to be heard at the start of October.

SNP Business Convener Kirsten Oswald MP said: “The SNP’s application is now with the Supreme Court. It is intended to support and complement the arguments for the Bill being within the Scottish Parliament’s competence that are set out in the Lord Advocate’s written case.

“The SNP’s application focuses on the inalienable right of all nations to self-determination which is enshrined in the United Nations charter and argues that the Scotland Act should be interpreted in a way that upholds rather than denies that right. 

“The Bill raises a fundamental issue of democracy - in line with the principle of self-determination, Scotland’s future must be decided by those who live here, not dictated by Westminster politicians. 

“It is now for the Supreme Court to determine whether our application to intervene should be granted.”