Scots again called to vote for their independence? “I can announce that the Scottish Government proposes that an independence referendum be held on October 19, 2023,” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told local parliament on Tuesday. But to organize it, the leader of the independence party SNP has to get the consent of the British government. However, he strongly opposes it.

Scots had already been consulted on the subject in 2014, and voted 55% to remain within the United Kingdom. Based on that previous vote, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson argues that such a referendum can only happen “once in a generation”.

Brexit has changed the game

However, the SNP believes Brexit has been a game-changer, with Scots opposing it 62%. The purpose of the SNP is for Scotland to join the European Union as an independent state. Nicola Sturgeon said she was ready to hold talks with Boris Johnson, but warned she would “not allow Scottish democracy to be held captive by Boris Johnson or any prime minister”.

Before this speech, Boris Johnson reiterated his commitment to the unity of the state. “We certainly think that our plan for a stronger economy works better when the UK is united than when it doesn’t,” the Conservative leader told British television on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 in Germany.