Brexit: Sturgeon says second Scots independence vote 'on the table'

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second referendum on Scottish independence was now “highly likely” after Friday's decision by England and Wales to leave the European Union.

Voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remained within the EU. The overall vote to leave was 52% against 48% to remain.

Sturgeon told a news conference that her administration had started to prepare the legal framework for a second vote before the UK formally exits the 28-nation bloc.

“As First Minister I have a duty to respond not just to the UK outcome of the referendum but to the democratic decision of Scotland,” she said.

"As things stand Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against our will. I regard that as unacceptable. I have made it clear to the prime minister this morning that the Scottish government must be fully and directly involved in any and all decisions about the next steps that the UK government intends to take.”

Sturgeon said the “significant and material” change in circumstances outlined in her Scottish National Party's manifesto to trigger an independence vote had arrived and meant the “option of a second referendum must be on the table and it is on the table”.

“We will also be seeking direct discussions with the EU institutions and its member states including the earliest possible meeting with the President of the European Commission,” she said.