NPR

Scottish Parliament Backs Bid For New Independence Vote

Lawmakers gave First Minister Nicola Sturgeon the power to pursue a referendum on independence — Scotland's second in several years. The move sets up a showdown with the U.K. government.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney arrive at Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. They attended the second day of debate on a motion that ultimately granted Sturgeon the authority to pursue an independence referendum.

One day before the U.K. is widely expected to formally begin its departure from the European Union, Scottish lawmakers took another crucial step toward voting on a departure of their own.

By a 69-59 vote Tuesday, members of Scottish Parliament backed First Minister

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