MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Independence must be an option for Scotland if it becomes clear that its interests cannot be protected within the United Kingdom after the country’s decision to leave the European Union, Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Wednesday.
"We are determined to do everything and examine every option to protect Scotland’s interests. And as I’ve said before that must include the option to consider independence if it becomes clear that our interests cannot be protected within the UK," Sturgeon said.
On June 23, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it. Scotland backed staying in the EU by 62 percent to 38 percent.
