Sturgeon backs cooperation in independence referendum dispute with London

AFP 17 hrs ago | Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has outlined her strategy toward London for pushing through a new independence referendum. In her closing speech at the Scottish National Party (SNP) party conference on Monday, Sturgeon said she was banking, "as far as possible," on a "spirit of cooperation rather than confrontation." "As in 2014," she said, "the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland must be heard and respected." Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has outlined her strategy to London for pushing through a new independence referendum. The Scottish head of government Nicola Sturgeon has presented her strategy to London for pushing through a new independence referendum. At the same time, she sharply criticized British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She said the latter had imposed his "Brexit obsession" on Britain during the Corona pandemic, leading to food shortages and labor shortages. He said the harsh immigration policies and their consequences for the labor market have made the economic consequences of leaving the EU even worse for people and businesses. Johnson and his Conservative government would "use all the damage they have caused to get more control" and argue against a special path for Scotland. "By making us poorer, they will say we can't afford independence. By cutting our trade with the EU, they will say we are too dependent on the rest of the United Kingdom," Sturgeon said. Sturgeon wants to hold a new independence referendum before the end of 2023. In 2014, Scots had voted for the first time on leaving the union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland. At that time, 55 percent were in favor of remaining. The UK's exit from the EU has given the pro-European independence movement in Scotland a new boost. The British Parliament in London must approve the holding of a referendum. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already ruled this out.