UK PM Johnson Rejects Request by Scotland's Sturgeon for Second Independence Vote

On 28 June, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon proposed that a new vote on Scotland's independence be held on 19 October 2023.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a letter to Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said that now was not the time to deal with the issue of an independence referendum because of problems at home and around the world.

"I have carefully considered the arguments you set out for a transfer of power from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament to hold another referendum on independence. As our country faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, I cannot agree that now is the time to return to a question which was clearly answered by the people of Scotland in 2014," Johnson said.

In response, Sturgeon said that Scottish democracy would not be "held hostage by this or any other Prime Minister".

Just received this from Johnson (one of his last acts as PM?). To be clear, Scotland will have the opportunity to choose independence - I hope in a referendum on 19 October 2023 but, if not, through a general election. Scottish democracy will not be a prisoner of this or any PM. pic.twitter.com/EAgIVvEuoc

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 6, 2022

Sturgeon has already announced her intention to hold another independence referendum in 2023, but Johnson has repeatedly stated that he will not allow a second referendum, since the people of Scotland expressed their will in 2014.

Then, 44.7 percent voted for independence and 55.3 percent voted against. To hold a referendum, Scotland will need the approval of the UK government in the form of a temporary transfer of powers known as a Section 30 Order.