Scottish Government publishes draft independence referendum Bill

The Scottish Government has released a draft Independence Referendum Bill, outlining the framework for a second vote on Scottish independence. The proposed legislation defines the voting franchise and specifies that the referendum question would ask: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.’

First Minister John Swinney stated that the Bill will be introduced at Holyrood once the necessary powers are secured from the UK Government. Swinney argued that the economic landscape has changed significantly since the 2014 referendum, citing flatlining living standards in the UK and the economic impact of Brexit as reasons for seeking independence.

The move follows a May motion in the Scottish Parliament, which passed 72 to 55, calling on Westminster to issue a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers required to hold the vote. Swinney emphasized that the draft Bill is designed to provide certainty and urged the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people.