Scotland makes formal request to UK for new independence vote Friday March 31,2017

 

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon formally requested a second referendum on independence on Friday March 31,2017, declaring that Scots have the right to exercise their right of self-determination.

Nicola Sturgeon sent U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May a letter formally requesting the transfer of powers to allow a second vote. Sturgeon argued that Britain's planned exit from the European Union’s single market is an outcome that will have significant implications on Scotland, which voted in favor of remaining in the EU.

“In these very changed circumstances, the people of Scotland must have the right to choose our own future - in short, to exercise our right of self-determination,” Sturgeon wrote.

The letter followed a 69-59 vote in the Scottish Parliament this week in favor of asking for an independence referendum. The Scots want the vote to take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.