Scottish National party lawmakers applaud after the vote on a second referendum on independence was carried at Scotland’s Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh on Tuesday. The vote by lawmakers in Edinburgh was 69 in favour and 59 against despite Ms. May’s last-minute appeals. Last year’s Brexit vote has spurred the independence campaign of Ms. Sturgeon, head of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP), who argues that Scotland is being forced out of the European bloc against its will. Both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the E.U., but they were outnumbered by voters in England and Wales who backed Brexit. The SNP leader has suggested an independence vote should be held by spring 2019 at the latest — before Britain leaves the E.U.

Source: The Hindu March 28, 2017 16:42 UTC