14:35First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesThe Scottish government’s constitutional relations secretary, Michael Russell, has described the SNP’s victory in the European election as a “fresh start” for independence. Setting out the new referendum bill, published this morning, Russell said that one of the key lessons from Brexit was that “there is a need for reconciliation”. He put put forward cross-party talks and a a citizen’s assembly to discuss Scotland’s future. Russell concluded that the Scottish government was trying “to get away from the negativity and nastiness of the current Brexit process”. He added: “Scotland deserves, and this week, has clearly demanded better.

Source: The Guardian May 29, 2019 07:26 UTC