Scottish Parliament Backs Independence Vote and Defies U.K.
- Lawmakers pass motion to seek power to hold another referendum
- May rebuffed nationalist leader Sturgeon’s plan for new vote
Scottish Parliament Backs Second Independence Vote
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Scottish lawmakers backed plans by the nationalist government in Edinburgh to pursue a second independence referendum, setting up what promises to be a lengthy and acrimonious showdown within the U.K. in the midst of Brexit negotiations.
Parliament voted 69 to 59 on Tuesday to allow First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to request the legal means from the U.K. authorities to hold the plebiscite by spring 2019. The result was expected after the Greens said they would support Sturgeon’s Scottish National Party, ensuring a majority in the legislature.