Wednesday 23 November 2022 08:02 AM Supreme Court rules TODAY on Sturgeon's push for Scots independence vote trends now

View
comments

Nicola Sturgeon faces a moment of truth in her battle to split the UK today as the Supreme Court rules on whether she can hold a referendum without approval from Westminster.

Judges will give their view on the SNP's push to legislate for a re-run of the 2014 contest, despite Rishi Sunak refusing to sign off on the plans.

The five judges will hand down their decision at 9.45am, with most experts saying Ms Sturgeon is unlikely to be successful.

If she loses the First Minister has pledged that the SNP will fight the next general election on a single issue of holding another referendum - although crucially she has ruled out a 'wildcat' vote.     

If she wins, the Scottish government wants to hold the ballot on October 19 next year. There is also the possibility the court will say it cannot reach a conclusion until Holyrood passes legislation.

Polls suggest the Scottish public is split down the middle on the independence issue. The last referendum - billed by both sides as once in a generation - delivered a 55-45 per cent win for unionists.