Scotland Agrees to Legislate for Second Independence Referendum

According to the country's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish government has formally agreed to take steps to ensure legislation is in place to allow a second referendum on whether Scotland should gain independence from the UK.

Scottish First Minister has announced establsihment of consultation council to prepare further steps for Scotland after Brexit. 

FM @NicolaSturgeon now speaking outside Bute House. pic.twitter.com/7BBMWHDdfy

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) 25 June 2016

​The Holyrood meeting was urgently called a day after the United Kingdom voted Thursday to leave the European Union, despite the majority in Scotland voting to stay in.  

Read @NicolaSturgeon’s statement in response to the #EUref result in full https://t.co/IV35uunion #IndyRef2

— The SNP (@theSNP) 24 June 2016

​"As I said yesterday, a second independence referendum is clearly an option that requires to be on the table and is very much on the table," Sturgeon said in Edinburgh, as quoted by Sky News channel. 

She added that, "steps will be taken now to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place. Cabinet this morning formally agreed that work."

The Scottish minister underscored that her government will start discussions with EU nations in order to "protect Scotland's place" in the European Union.