IndyRef2 shelved, for now

After a weak performance by the Scottish National Party in the UK general election, Scotland will not forge ahead with plans to hold a second independence referendum, yet, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

“I am, therefore, confirming today that, having listened and reflected, the Scottish government will reset the plan I set out on March 13. We will not seek to introduce the legislation for an independence referendum immediately. Instead, we will, in good faith, redouble our efforts and put our shoulder to the wheel in seeking to influence the Brexit talks in a way that protects Scotland’s interests.”

“Presiding Officer, we look forward to getting on with the job in the best interests of all the people of Scotland,” she continued.

Sturgeon and her SNP won support for a second vote from the devolved parliament at Holyrood, but British Prime Minister Theresa May has refused to discuss the matter.

Relations between the UK’s four nations have been strained since the 2016 Brexit vote, with both Edinburgh and Belfast voting overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union.