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Letter asks for second independence vote Sturgeon signs independence vote request
(35 minutes later)
Scotland's first minister has signed a letter formally asking for powers to hold a second Scottish independence referendum.Scotland's first minister has signed a letter formally asking for powers to hold a second Scottish independence referendum.
The Scottish Parliament voted by 69 to 59 on Tuesday in favour of seeking permission for another referendumThe Scottish Parliament voted by 69 to 59 on Tuesday in favour of seeking permission for another referendum
Nicola Sturgeon argues Scotland should have the choice on what path to follow in the wake of the Brexit vote.Nicola Sturgeon argues Scotland should have the choice on what path to follow in the wake of the Brexit vote.
The UK government has already said it will block a referendum until after the Brexit process has been completed.The UK government has already said it will block a referendum until after the Brexit process has been completed.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who met Ms Sturgeon for talks in Glasgow on Monday, has repeatedly insisted that "now is not the time" for a referendum.Prime Minister Theresa May, who met Ms Sturgeon for talks in Glasgow on Monday, has repeatedly insisted that "now is not the time" for a referendum.
Constitutional matters are reserved to Westminster so the Scottish government must ask for the powers to hold such a vote to be transferred to Holyrood under a Section 30 order, as was done before the 2014 referendum.
The Scottish government released a photo of Nicola Sturgeon writing the letter to Theresa May, with her feet curled up on a sofa at her official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh.
The letter will be sent to Downing Street shortly.
Ms Sturgeon is asking for Holyrood's backing to seek a referendum between the autumn next year and spring 2019 - but has indicated she would be willing to negotiate the timing.
If, as expected, the request is declined, Ms Sturgeon has said she will set out her government's next steps in April, when MSPs return to the Scottish Parliament after the Easter recess.