Scottish politicians call for second independence referendum

Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond have both called for a second referendum on Scottish independence after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union on Thursday.

First minister Sturgeon has promised she will push for the second referendum as she said in April that if they were forced out of the bloc against their will there would be serious consequences.

"Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status," she said.

"Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK." Nicola Sturgeon

"Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK. That reflects the positive campaign the SNP fought, which highlighted the gains and benefits of our EU membership, and people across Scotland have responded to that positive message."

Sturgeon has consistently threatened to call a second referendum. Speaking in April, she said: “The Scottish parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is clear and sustained evidence that independence has become the preferred option of a majority of the Scottish people.”

Former first minister Alex Salmond, who fought for independence in the first referendum in September 2014, also said that the time has come for a second vote. Two years ago around 55 percent of the public voted to remain within Britain, with one of their greatest fears being that that voting to leave the UK would mean they would no longer be part of the EU.

"Scotland looks like it is going to vote solidly Remain. If there was a Leave vote in England, dragging us out the EU, I'm quite certain Nicola Sturgeon would implement the SNP manifesto.”