What is scottish independence?

Scottish independence is the proposal that Scotland should leave the United Kingdom and become a fully independent country. Scotland voted against independence by 55% to 45% in a 2014 referendum. The SNP and Scottish Greens continue to campaign for it, but the UK Supreme Court has ruled that a new referendum needs Westminster's consent.

Scotland and England joined to form Great Britain under the Acts of Union of 1707. Devolution in 1999 created the Scottish Parliament. The SNP won a majority in 2011, and the UK government agreed to a referendum. On 18 September 2014, 55.3% voted No and 44.7% voted Yes, on a record turnout of about 85%. The vote was held under rules agreed in the Edinburgh Agreement of 2012.

Supporters argue Scotland would make better decisions for itself, could rejoin the European Union and would control its own resources. Opponents point to shared history, economic ties, the costs of setting up new institutions and questions about currency, borders and public finances. Brexit, which most Scottish voters opposed in 2016, revived the debate. Debates over oil revenues and the deficit also loom large.

In November 2022 the Supreme Court ruled that the Scottish Parliament cannot hold an independence referendum without Westminster's agreement. At the May 2026 Holyrood election the SNP won 58 seats and the Scottish Greens 15. Together, these pro-independence parties hold a majority of the 129 seats. UK governments have so far refused to agree to another referendum. Polls remain close.