Brexit: Nicola Sturgeon begins paving the way for second Scottish independence referendum

Jamie Bullen25 June 2016

Nicola Sturgeon has said the Scottish Government will seek “immediate discussions” with Brussels to “protect” the country’s place in the EU as she paved the way for a second independence referendum.

Scotland’s First Minister warned Britain’s decision to leave the EU resulted in a “significant” change in circumstances since the country voted to remain part of the UK in 2014.

Speaking outside her Edinburgh residence, the SNP leader said she plans to set up a panel of experts to advise her on legal, financial and diplomatic issues to continue Scotland’s EU membership.

She added her cabinet had agreed to begin drawing up legislation to allow the option for a second referendum.

On Friday, Ms Sturgeon said a second independence vote was “highly likely” after the dramatic Brexit result.

Scotland, along with London, voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union with all 32 of its local authorities backing a Remain vote.

In a statement yesterday, Ms Sturgeon said it was "democratically unacceptable" that Scotland had been taken out of the EU against its will.

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She said: “The vote to leave the EU is one I deeply regret," she said.

"It remains my passion and belief that it is better for all parts of the UK to be members of the European Union.

“I am proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday.

“We proved we are a modern, outward looking, open and inclusive country and we said clearly that we don’t want to leave the EU.”

"The vote across England and Wales was a rejection of the EU and it was a sign of divergence between Scotland and large parts of the rest of the UK and how we see our place in the world."

In 2014, 55.3 per cent of Scottish voters chose to remain part of the UK which triggered the resignation of Ms Sturgeon’s predecessor Alex Salmond.

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