UK MINISTERS are to face increased pressure to respect the historic right of Scots to decide how they are governed, amid moves toward a second independence referendum.

SNP MP Patrick Grady is to lead a parliamentary debate on the Claim of Right for Scotland, which has roots in the 17th century and helped pave the way for devolution via an agreed set of principles in 1989.

Following a constitutional convention, which the SNP withdrew from as it did not consider Scottish independence, the Claim of Right reaffirmed the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the government best suited to their needs.

Grady said decisions were still being “foisted upon” Scotland by Westminster, adding that this has been highlighted by the UK seeking to withdraw from the EU.

The SNP has just launched a major “listening exercise” around the issue of holding a second independence referendum.

Areas of concern for the party also include changes in Parliament to ensure only English MPs vote on laws relating to England.

Speaking ahead of his debate, Grady said: “What we would argue, as the SNP, is there is still a democratic deficit; we’re still having decisions we didn’t vote for foisted upon us.

“The key principle of the Claim of Right is the sovereignty of the people of Scotland to choose the form of government best for themselves — the historical concept of popular sovereignty in Scotland.”

The 90-minute debate is scheduled for tomorrow.