Scottish First Minister ‘Disappointed’ the PM Hasn’t Reached Out as His Family Are Trapped in Gaza

Oct 13, 2023 | Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf tells 5 News it’s “disappointing” that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not reached out to him after revealing his wife's parents, who live in Dundee, are trapped in Gaza and are struggling to find a safe passage out. 5 News Scotland Reporter Alan Jenkins reports.

Independent Scotland Would Bring Back Burgundy Passports

THE TELEGRAPH: Report says separate Scotland would follow EU’s ‘recommended layout, size and colour’, despite warnings it could take years to join

Humza Yousaf launches a policy paper on citizenship in an independent Scotland | CREDIT: Andrew Milligan/PA
Scotland would revert to burgundy passports after independence in an effort to copy the EU under a blueprint unveiled by Humza Yousaf.

A Scottish Government report said a separate Scotland would follow the EU’s “recommended layout, size and colour”, despite experts warning that it could take years for it to join the bloc.

Asked why he wanted to ditch blue passports, with blue the dominant colour on the Scottish flag, Mr Yousaf claimed a switch to burgundy red could help a separate Scotland gain speedier EU membership.

The blueprint said the passports would also follow the bloc’s “standards and technical requirements”.

The First Minister also said he would renounce his British citizenship despite the paper making clear that Scots could keep it after independence if they wished. People could also opt out of having Scottish citizenship.

Asked whether he would retain his British citizenship, he said: “I haven’t thought much about it but I probably wouldn’t, no, just my Scottish citizenship.” » | Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor | Thursday, July 27, 2023

Independent Scotland would base citizenship on current Irish model: Plans, unveiled by Humza Yousaf, include significantly reducing application fees »

A Scotsman’s Viewpoint: Scottish Independence and Why This Generation of Scots Has a Date with Destiny! | Reupload

Oct 12, 2022

‘Outright Democracy Denial’: Nicola Sturgeon Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling

Nov 23, 2022 | Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, reacts to the UK supreme court’s ruling Scotland may not hold a second independence referendum without Westminster approval. She says the Scottish government respects the law, but the mandate for a referendum is ‘undeniable’. Sturgeon insisted Scotland is not ‘abandoning’ the referendum route: ‘Westminster are simply blocking it’ Supreme court rules against Scottish parliament holding new independence referendum Supreme court ‘no’ leaves Sturgeon looking for solutions

Read the accompanying Guardian article here.

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The Guardian view on Scotland and the constitution: a crisis is brewing: A supreme court ruling against Nicola Sturgeon’s referendum plans clarifies the challenge ahead for unionists »

Scottish Government Loses Indyref2 Court Case

Read the article here.

Related article here.

Supreme Court Rules against Scottish Parliament Holding New Independence Referendum

THE GUARDIAN: Judgment likely to anger Scottish nationalists who say country’s future is for Scottish voters to decide

A Scottish saltire flag is flown as pro-Scottish independence campaigners protest outside the supreme court in London. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
The Scottish parliament cannot hold a second independence referendum without Westminster approval the supreme court has ruled, in a unanimous judgment likely to anger Scottish nationalists who say the country’s future is for Scottish voters to decide.

The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said immediately after the ruling: “Scottish democracy will not be denied.” She added: “Today’s ruling blocks one route to Scotland’s voice being heard on independence – but in a democracy our voice cannot and will not be silenced.”

Sturgeon said she would be making a full statement at 11.30am.

The decision could lead to Sturgeon following through on her pledge to “put our case for independence to the people in an election”, turning it into a “de facto referendum”. » | Libby Brooks, Scotland correspondent and Ben Quinn | Wednesday, November 23, 2022

L’Ecosse ne peut pas organiser un nouveau référendum sur l’indépendance sans l’accord du Royaume-Uni, juge la Cour suprême britannique : La première ministre écossaise, Nicola Sturgeon, prévoyait d’organiser une nouvelle consultation le 19 octobre 2023. »

Kein Unabhängigkeitsreferendum für Schottland: Das schottische Parlament habe nicht das Recht, einseitig ein Unabhängigkeitsreferendum anzusetzen, entscheidet das höchste britische Gericht. Die schottische Regierungschefin zeigt sich enttäuscht. »

'We're Not Giving Up' on Independence: Scottish External Affairs Secretary • FRANCE 24 English

As the Scottish government pushes on with its bid to hold a referendum on leaving the #UnitedKingdom, with a hearing scheduled at the British Supreme Court on October 11 and 12, #Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson has told FRANCE 24 that his government is "not giving up". "We want friends in Europe to understand that we are in favour of a legal, constitutional route to #independence. When it comes to that stage, we look forward to working with European nations," he explained.

Scottish Independence and Why This Generation of Scots Has a Date with Destiny!

In Full: Nicola Sturgeon Says Economic Case for Independence Will Come Next Week

Nicola Sturgeon says independence isn't a "miracle cure" for Scotland's economy, but claimed the country "can do so much better than this".

Closing the SNP's annual party conference in Aberdeen, Scotland's first minister said the economic case for independence will be published next Monday as she doubled down on her push for another referendum on 19 October 2023.


Nicola Sturgeon tells SNP conference: ‘We are the independence generation’: First minister promises ‘steady hand on tiller’ while offering reassurance to those opposed to UK exit »

Great speech, Ms. Sturgeon! Scotland deserves its independence. Doesn't Wales deserve independence too? Westminster is a shambles under the Tories; it would be no better under Labour, either. Westminster no longer speaks for the Celtic fringe in this dis-United Kingdom. The English wanted to go it alone; so let them do so! We in the Celtic fringe want to re-join the European Union as independent nations. The Welsh will never have true prosperity being ruled by Westminster. Don’t we in the Celtic fringe deserve better? – © Mark Alexander

Nicola Sturgeon: Scottish Independence ‘Makes the Case for Optimism’

THE GUARDIAN: First minister uses SNP conference to promise steady hand compared with Westminster mayhem

Nicola Sturgeon giving her keynote speech on day three of the Scottish National party conference in Aberdeen. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Nicola Sturgeon has told the Scottish National party’s annual conference that independence makes the “case for optimism” in troubled times, and promised Scotland “a steady and compassionate hand on the tiller”.

The first minister spoke of the “massive responsibility of me and my government” to help Scots through the cost of living crisis, as she spoke to delegates in Aberdeen at the party’s first in-person conference since the pandemic.

Contrasting the UK government’s plans to “bundle [asylum seekers] on to planes like unwanted cargo”, Sturgeon emphasised Scotland’s international responsibility to stand with those in Iran, Afghanistan, Russian [sic], Belarus and Ukraine.

Sturgeon’s blunt assertion that she “detests” the Tories, made on the Laura Kuennsberg TV show on Sunday morning, attracted criticism from opponents and dominated Monday’s front pages, but she did not baulk at describing the tax cutting package announced by the UK government as “unconscionable”. » | Libby Brooks, Scotland correspondent | Monday, October 10, 2022

Analysis: Scottish Crowds Turn Out for the Queen but Support for the Monarchy Less Clear

THE GUARDIAN: Charles faces challenge to convert outpouring of affection for his mother into enduring support for the institution

It has become Scotland’s largest public event of modern times; hundreds of thousands of people gathered on roadsides, in farm fields and on bridges as the Queen’s funeral cortege drove 170 miles from Balmoral to Edinburgh.

The crowd in Edinburgh’s Old Town as her hearse passed along the Royal Mile on Sunday was the densest the city has seen. That display of compassion, curiosity and, for some, fealty could suggest the support for monarchism in Scotland is deeper than many suspected.

The observance was understated, restrained. There were very few union flags or saltires on display; only a handful of flowers were thrown under the hearse’s wheels. Applause could be heard occasionally but chiefly the crowds were silent. With video » | Severin Carrell and Libby Brooks | Monday, September 12, 2022

Scottish Independence: Could Britain Break Up? | Reupload

Apr 18, 2021 The union between the nations of the United Kingdom is looking increasingly fragile, thanks to Brexit. If Scotland were to break away from Britain it would face an uncertain future—as would the rest of the union.

Nicola Sturgeon Seeks Supreme Court Ruling on Scottish Independence Vote

THE GUARDIAN: First minister tells MSPs she wants to hold second independence referendum on 19 October 2023

Nicola Sturgeon gives a statement on independence referendum in the Scottish parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
Nicola Sturgeon has asked the supreme court to rule on whether the Scottish government can hold a non-binding referendum on independence, without having Boris Johnson’s permission to stage one.

The first minister said on Tuesday the lord advocate, Dorothy Bain QC, has written to the supreme court in London asking it to hold a hearing on whether the Scottish government has the legal powers to hold that vote.

She told MSPs her government wanted to stage a second independence referendum on 19 October 2023, using the same question put to voters in 2014: “Should Scotland be an independent country.”

In a statement at Holyrood, Sturgeon said that if the court ruled that that would not be a lawful use of her government’s resources or breached its constitutional powers, the Scottish National party would make independence its only policy at the next UK general election. » | Severin Carrell, Scotland editor | Tuesday, June 28, 2022


Schottische Regierung plant neues Unabhängigkeitsreferendum im Oktober 2023: Die schottische Regierungschefin Nicola Sturgeon will ihre Landsleute im Herbst des kommenden Jahres erneut darüber abstimmen lassen, ob Schottland ein unabhängiger Staat werden soll. … »

Scottish Independence: Could Britain Break Up? | The Economist

Apr 18, 2021 • The union between the nations of the United Kingdom is looking increasingly fragile, thanks to Brexit. If Scotland were to break away from Britain it would face an uncertain future—as would the rest of the union.

Gove Rules Out ‘Foolish’ Scottish Independence Vote before Election

THE GUARDIAN: Minister says prime minister’s focus is recovery from pandemic ‘for lifetime of this parliament’

Michael Gove has said he “can’t see” Boris Johnson granting a new referendum on Scottish independence before the next general election.

The Cabinet Office minister – who is responsible for countering the push for independence – said the prime minister’s focus was completely focused on recovery from the pandemic “for the lifetime of this parliament”.

His comments – which are likely to infuriate the SNP – appear to go further than other ministers who have said this is the wrong time for another referendum.

Under the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, the next general election is not due until May 2024 – although Johnson is committed to repealing the act, which could allow him to go to the country before then. » | PA Media | Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Scottish Independence: 'Queen to Head Charm Offensive to Save Union'

THE NATIONAL: THE Queen is to lead a Royal "charm offensive" to help save the Union – with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expected to play a key role, it is being reported.

The strategy, which is said to be discreetly backed by Downing Street, received its effective launch on Saturday when Prince William described the "special place" Scotland has in his heart.

He made the comments in his address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh as he and his wife embark on a week-long campaign in Scotland to win over hearts and minds. » | Kathleen Nutt | Chief Political Reporter | Sunday, May 23, 2021

Royals have dropped any pretence that they are neutral on independence »

Of Brexit and Boris: What’s Driving the Call for Scottish Independence

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Scots voted to remain in the E.U., and they resent being dictated to by England. And they just plain don’t like Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The millions of votes cast across Scotland Thursday could be among the most consequential in recent times, and not because of their impact on things like health, education and fisheries. The greatest issue facing the country, and the one that was really at stake, was nowhere to be found on the ballot, and that is the future of its 314-year-old union with England.

In the vote for parliamentary elections, the pro-independence Scottish National Party fell short of the majority it had hoped would create an irresistible momentum for a new referendum on breaking away from the United Kingdom. But it will retain power in Edinburgh, probably with the support of the Scottish Greens, guaranteeing that the issue will continue to dominate Scottish politics, as it has in recent years. » | Stephen Castle | Published: Saturday, May 8, 2021; Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

Scottish Election 2021: Nicola Sturgeon Celebrates 'Historic' SNP Election Win

Nicola Sturgeon has hailed the SNP's "historic and extraordinary" fourth consecutive victory in the Scottish Parliament election.

Nicola Sturgeon Vows to Hold Indy Ref 2 as SNP Closes In on Win

THE GUARDIAN: First minister said voters gave ‘emphatic’ mandate to stage legally-recognised independence poll

Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to press ahead with plans for a second independence referendum after the Scottish National party was poised to win its fourth consecutive Holyrood election, triggering a constitutional battle with Boris Johnson.

With counting continuing into Saturday evening, the Scottish National party was expected to fall two seats short of an overall majority despite winning a record number of Holyrood constituency seats, after a surge in anti-independence tactical voting.

Sturgeon’s lingering hopes of winning a majority were quashed after the Scottish Conservatives won the key SNP target seat of Aberdeenshire West with a hefty majority – a result the Tories will argue vindicates their decision to make independence one of the biggest issues in their campaign.

Buoyed by a record turnout in a Holyrood election of 64%, the first minister said Scottish voters had given her an “emphatic” mandate to stage a legally-recognised referendum in the next parliament – a challenge the prime minister dismissed before the election result was declared. » | Severin Carrell and Libby Brooks | Saturday, May 8, 2021

Sturgeon: SNP Will Hold Scottish Independence Vote If It Wins in May

THE GUARDIAN: First minister says she will hold advisory referendum, whether Westminster consents or not

Nicola Sturgeon has said she will hold an advisory referendum on independence if her Scottish National party wins a majority in May’s Holyrood elections, regardless of whether Westminster consents to the move.

Her party is setting out an 11-point roadmap for taking forward another vote, which was to be presented to members of the SNP’s national assembly on Sunday.

Scotland’s first minister told BBC One’s Andrew Marr show on Sunday morning: “I want to have a legal referendum, that’s what I’m going to seek the authority of the Scottish people for in May and if they give me that authority that’s what I intend to do: to have a legal referendum to give people the right to choose. That’s democracy. It’s not about what I want or what Boris Johnson wants.” » | Libby Brooks, Scotland correspondent | Sunday, January 24, 2021

Go for it, Nicola! Scotland's destiny is in Europe. – Mark