Scottish Parliament votes for second independence referendum

The Scottish Parliament has voted to formally request the power to hold a second independence referendum, a move immediately rejected by the UK government. The vote, which passed by 72 to 55, marks the first major legislative action following this month's election and sets the stage for renewed constitutional conflict.

First Minister John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), tabled the motion calling on Westminster to issue a Section 30 order. This legal mechanism, part of the Scotland Act 1998, would temporarily transfer the authority to hold a constitutional referendum to the Scottish Parliament. Swinney argued the recent election result, which returned a record number of pro-independence lawmakers, provides an emphatic democratic mandate for another vote. He described independence as a golden opportunity that would allow Scotland to rejoin the European Union and gain control over its energy resources, which he characterized as an unmitigated disaster under UK management.

The request was swiftly dismissed by Downing Street. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK government does not support independence or another referendum. The...