Scottish Leader to Johnson: We Want an Independence Referendum

By Staff, Agencies

Scotland's nationalist leader warned British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that she would continue preparations for an independence referendum because his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy.

"It is now – more than ever – essential that in Scotland we have an alternative option," Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in a letter to Johnson.

"The Scottish government will continue to make preparations to give people in Scotland the choice of becoming an independent country," she said, adding that the Scottish Parliament would consider framework legislation for a referendum after the summer recess.

Johnson, who became prime minister Wednesday, has promised to deliver Brexit by Oct. 31, whether or not there is a deal on trade and movement between the UK and the EU. Scotland voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining in the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum.