Scottish Parliament backs request for new independence referendum from London - EFE

By Susana Blaya

Glasgow, UK, (EFE).- The Scottish Parliament approved the government’s proposal on Tuesday to request the transfer of necessary powers from London to hold a second independence referendum, despite repeated rejections by the central government.

The initiative, promoted by First Minister John Swinney, passed with 72 votes in favor and 55 against, thanks to the joint support of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Greens. These parties maintain a pro-independence majority in the 129-seat regional parliament.

However, the British government led by Labour leader Keir Starmer has publicly reiterated its rejection of authorizing a new sovereignty consultation during the legislative period.

The independence issue has returned to the center of Scottish political debate following the regional elections in May, in which the SNP won 58 seats, and the Scottish Greens won 15, surpassing the absolute majority of 65 seats.