By Christian Smith

Nicola Sturgeon announced this morning that she will seek a second referendum for Scottish independence.

The Scottish first minister made this announcement at a press conference in Bute House, Edinburgh days before the Prime Minister, Theresa May is expected to trigger the start of the process of leaving the European Union.

In September 2014, Scotland voted against independence 55.3% to 44.7%; but in the Brexit vote, they voted to remain in the EU by 62% to 38%.

Ms Sturgeon who hopes to hold the new referendum between autumn 2018 and spring 2019 said “The Scottish Government’s mandate for offering this choice is beyond doubt.

“So next week I will seek the approval of the Scottish Parliament to open discussions with the UK Government on the details of a Section 30 order – the procedure that will enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate for an independence referendum.

The leader of the Scottish National Party stated that the “detailed arrangements for a referendum – including its timing – should be for the Scottish Parliament to decide.

“It is important that Scotland is able to exercise the right to choose our own future at a time when the options are clearer than they are now, but before it is too late to decide on our own path.

“By the time a choice comes to be made, there must be greater clarity about Brexit and its implications for us.

“It is just as important that there is clarity about the implications of independence. And there will be.”

A second referendum has to be approved by Westminster and the Scottish Parliament for it to take place.

In a press release seen by DENISAURUS NEWS,  leader of the Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “Scottish Liberal Democrats stood for election last year on a platform to oppose a new independence referendum. That is what we will do.

“The First Minister refused to state that Scotland would be a full EU member under her plan, ” he said: “The SNP are risking taking Scotland out of both the UK and out of the EU. Being outside both would be the worst of all worlds for Scotland.

“We believe that the SNP have gone back on their word that 2014 was “once in a generation.”

An hour ago, Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservative also argued against a new referendum, stating that it will offer “Scotland the worst of all worlds.”