Wednesday 23 November 2022 10:08 AM Sturgeon LOSES bid to force fresh Scottish referendum without PM's approval trends now

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Nicola Sturgeon today suffered a massive setback in her battle to split the UK - as the Supreme Court ruled she cannot hold a referendum without approval from Westminster.

Judges unanimously rejected the SNP chief's push for Holyrood to legislate for a re-run of the 2014 contest, despite Rishi Sunak refusing to sign off on the plans.

President Lord Reed said the court did have the power to rule on the issue, and the question of sovereignty was 'reserved' to the UK government.   

Ms Sturgeon has pledged that if she loses 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.     

The Scottish government wanted to hold a ballot on October 19 next year. 

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.