IT is of fundamental importance that Scotland becomes independent, Nicola Sturgeon has said, even if the UK votes again on EU membership.
Speaking on the fringes of the British-Irish Council in Dublin, the First Minister said that even if there was a second Brexit vote, it is not certain the outcome would be any different for Scotland – which voted overwhelmingly to Remain in 2016.
She told reporters in Dublin: “If there is a UK government after the election that puts forward that proposition [for a People’s Vote], the SNP would support it, but there’s no guarantee it would have a different outcome for Scotland.
“Even if it did, the next time Westminster decides to override the views of the Scottish people, we’re back to this point.
“That’s why the fundamental solution is for Scotland, like Ireland, to be its own independent country.”
The Irish and Scottish governments hailed their close ties as the First Minister met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, but they are on opposing sides when it comes to Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.
The Irish government supports the deal, which it says protects the Good Friday Agreement.
Sturgeon said although she supports all measures taken to protect peace on the island of Ireland, Scotland should be given the same terms as Northern Ireland if the UK leaves the EU.
Earlier yesterday, she joked that the Prime Minister “motivates” people to get out and vote in Scotland – but “perhaps, not the way he might hope”.
The FM also cautioned those who believe Johnson’s claim that he wants to build a bridge from Scotland to Northern Ireland.
She said: “Boris Johnson has a track record of promising big projects like that and he has no idea how to deliver, ultimately does not deliver.”
She added: “I won’t rule out anything that turns out to be feasible, but I would caution against listening to Boris Johnson’s rather glib comments around it.”
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