BBC News School Report @ LCS

Theresa May Blocks Second Referendum

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for a second referendum this autumn or early spring next year. Theresa May, however, has said that it would be “unfair” to hold a vote until the UK’s future with the European Union becomes clear.

Mrs May said her focus was to find the best possible deal for the whole of the UK in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations with the European Union. She said in a recent statement to ITV News, “So when the SNP government say that now is not the time to start talking about a second independence referendum, I say that just at this point all of our energies should be focused on our negotiations with the European Union about our future relationship”. She added, “My message is clear – now is not the time. It would be unfair to the people of Scotland that they would be being asked to make a crucial decision without the information they need to make that decision”. The Prime Minister also said the country should be “working together, not pulling apart”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s proposal for a second referendum seems to be in trouble with an official petition to oppose it on the Government’s official website. Over 126,000 people have signed it so far. As it has reached over 100,000 signatures, the government must now consider the topic for a debate. Other political figures have warned Nicola Sturgeon, with Spain’s Foreign Minister saying in a statement that Scotland would “have to queue” to re-join Europe if they achieved independence