Scotland for independence referendum?

Scotland’s devolved government is preparing to present legislation allowing a second independence referendum while continuing discussions on its place within the European Union, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Saturday.

“A second (Scottish) independence referendum is clearly an option that requires to be on the table, and it is very much on the table,” she said in a live statement.

“To ensure that that option is a deliverable one in the required timetable, steps will be taken now to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place,” she added.

Scotland voted 62 to 38 per cent to remain in the EU in a referendum on Thursday, sharply contrasting with Britain’s overall 52-48 per cent vote to leave. That result could be justification for another independence vote, the Scottish government argues.

Scottish independence from the United Kingdom was rejected by 55-45 per cent in 2014.

Tsipras blames Brexit on austerity
Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose own rebellion against European Union policy brought the bloc to a crisis last year, said he did not blame the British people for voting to leave but rather EU leaders. Speaking to his leftist Syriza party’s central committee, Tsipras blamed the Brexit outcome on the “chronic deficiencies” of European leaders and their insistence on austerity policies that fed populism and nationalism.

“As much as the decision of the British people saddens us, it is a decision to be respected. We must not put the blame on the British people ... when the borders remain open on austerity policies but stay closed for people,” Tsipras said.