Scotland Prepares for New Referendum on Independence from the United Kingdom

Scotland must become independent from the United Kingdom to actively realize its potential. This was announced by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on June 14, as reported by RTVI.

Sturgeon published an analytical article titled “Independence in the Modern World: Wealthier, Happier, Fairer. Why Not in Scotland?” where she advocates for independence. For instance, she writes that countries such as Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, and Finland have achieved greater economic success than the UK by utilizing their independence, as well as building much fairer societies with less inequality and poverty. According to her, these countries have a more attractive investment environment.

On the government’s website, it states that Sturgeon’s article is intended to help people make a more informed choice ahead of the next independence referendum in Scotland. “Today, Scotland, like many countries around the world, faces significant challenges. But we have great opportunities and enormous potential,” said the First Minister.

According to Sturgeon, the residents of Scotland are facing daily increases in the cost of living, low economic growth, and rising inequality, which is also linked to the consequences of Brexit (the UK’s exit from the European Union), for which Scots “did not vote.”

“Should we be tied to the economic model of the United Kingdom, which condemns us to relatively poor economic and social outcomes, or should we lift our eyes with hope and optimism, inspired by other countries in Europe?” Sturgeon said.

Scotland’s government minister and co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie, also stated that the United Kingdom is stifling Scotland’s development potential. In 2014, Scotland held a referendum on leaving the United Kingdom, but the majority (55%) voted against independence. Only 45% of voters supported independence. After the UK voted to leave the European Union (a significant portion of Scots were against Brexit), the country’s authorities decided to prepare for a second referendum on Scottish independence. The referendum is expected to take place before the end of 2023.