Scottish Parliament Independents Have a Majority Pressure for Future Independence

As a result of the ballot counting in the parliamentary elections in northern Scotland, where the pros and cons of future independence from Britain became a major issue, a majority of the powers supporting independence were secured, and in the future, a referendum for independence will be held. We are poised to put more pressure on the Johnson administration.

The Scottish parliamentary elections, which were voted on the 6th, ended on the 8th, and the ruling SNP / Scottish National Party won 64 of the 129 seats, becoming the first party.

The SNP, which has pledged to hold a referendum for independence, was aiming for a single majority, but the majority did not reach one seat.

However, the Green Party, which supports independence, won eight seats, and the power that supported independence had 72 seats, securing a majority.

SNP leader Sturgeon said in a speech, "There is no good reason to prevent Scottish people from having the right to decide their future, whether Prime Minister Johnson or anyone," aiming to work with the Greens to conduct a referendum. Emphasized the idea.

The UK government's consent is required to conduct a legally binding referendum, but Prime Minister Johnson has expressed opposition.

In response, the leader of Sturgeon is poised to increase pressure on the Johnson administration, saying that the election has shown public opinion.

Vote counting results

This is the result of the Scottish Parliament election.

▼ Scottish National Party has 64 seats,

▼ Conservative Party has 31 seats,

▼ Labor Party has 22 seats,

▼ Green Party has 8 seats,

▼ Liberal Democratic Party has 4 seats.

What will happen in the future?

Scottish independence

There is no formal procedure for conducting a referendum for independence.

However, a legally binding referendum requires the consent of the British Government.

Three years earlier, the 2014 referendum was triggered by SNP's sole majority in the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections.

After that, discussions were held between the Scottish Government and the British Government, and in 2012 both sides agreed to hold a referendum.

At that time, opinion polls showed that the opposition to independence far exceeded the number of supporters, so it is believed that Prime Minister Cameron accepted the referendum, assuming that independence would be rejected.

However, the vote in 2014 was a close battle, resulting in a realistic talk of independence.

In light of this situation, Prime Minister Johnson has repeatedly stated that he would not allow a referendum.

However, the SNP said in its election manifesto, "If the British government tries to block the referendum, it will resort to legal measures to protect the will of the people."

Why is there a move towards independence in Scotland?

Great Britain is a United Kingdom consisting of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scotland was once an independent kingdom, but became part of England in the 18th century when it was merged with England.

For this reason, there is a deep-rooted opposition to England among the Scottish people.

Proponents of independence argued that Britain's policies were closer to England and had been at a disadvantage in terms of employment and other economics, and criticized the government for not listening to the Scottish people. I am.

Opponents, on the other hand, say that if they become independent, economic turmoil is inevitable, and Britain should be united.

In 2014, a referendum was held asking for the pros and cons of independence, but the opposition to independence surpassed by a difference of about 10 points, and it remained in the United Kingdom.

Some people turn to support rekindling with Brexit

However, with the referendum that decided to withdraw from the EU = European Union in 2016, the movement for independence will become active again.

In Scotland, more than 60% wanted to stay in the EU, and supporters of independence complained that "Scotland's voice was ignored and forced to leave."

In addition, due to the disruption of logistics due to new customs clearance procedures that occurred due to withdrawal, some people have turned from opposition to independence to support.

The SNP, which appeals for independence, is looking for ways to join the EU after independence in the manifesto announced at the time of the election, and is trying to incorporate those who are dissatisfied.