The UK Government should grant without delay a Section 30 Order under the Scotland Act to enable an independence referendum to take place in Scotland, to allow the Scottish people, who elected a Scottish Parliament with a clear majority on holding such, to express their democratic will.
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Following the Supreme Court's decision of 23 November 2022, it has been confirmed that there is no legal mechanism for the Scottish people to have an independence referendum without Westminster's agreement. The matter requires the UK Government to act and it is not within the competency of the Scottish Parliament.
In the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections the Scottish electorate elected a Parliament with a clear majority supporting a referendum.
Tuesday 18th April 2023
The Government’s focus is on tackling issues such as the cost of living, energy security, and growing the economy. This is simply not the time to be talking about another independence referendum.
In 2014, the people of Scotland voted decisively in a referendum to remain part of the UK. Since then the Government has been focused on the issues that really matter to people, and to ensure we prepare for the challenges of the future. A section 30 and further independence referendum at this time would be inconsistent with these ambitions to deliver for the people of Scotland. The UK Government believes the appointment of a new First Minister provides an opportunity for the Governments to work together on those ambitions.
The Prime Minister spoke to the First Minister on 28 March and reiterated that constitutional issues should not distract both Governments from working together to tackle the shared challenges of delivering growth, easing pressures on the cost of living, and supporting the NHS. The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK Government will continue to work constructively with the Scottish Government in tackling all the shared challenges we face.
The UK Government is steadfast in its commitment to protect and promote the hundreds of years of shared history, beliefs and interests embodied in our United Kingdom. Scotland benefits greatly from being part of the United Kingdom and the rest of the United Kingdom benefits greatly from Scotland being part of it, with the pooling and sharing of resources that brings. Indeed, when we act as one United Kingdom, we are safer, stronger and more prosperous, and together we are better able to draw on the skills of our great institutions like the NHS and the armed forces.
The UK Government's clear focus is on addressing the challenges we face right now. This includes restoring economic stability, gripping inflation, supporting people with their energy bills, strengthening our NHS, combating climate change, supporting Ukraine and Levelling Up our country.
People across Scotland rightly expect to see both of their governments working together with a relentless focus on the issues that matter to them, their families, and their communities. Focusing resources and attention on addressing these challenges and delivering for the whole of the UK, is the UK Government’s priority.
Scotland Office
This is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/628746)