Scottish Parliament Approves New Independence Referendum

Scotland’s parliament on Tuesday gave the green light for a second referendum on Scottish independence from the United Kingdom. The proposal has gained new steam in recent weeks as the U.K. gets ready to trigger article 50 and formally leave the European Union. Sixty-nine members of Parliament voted in favor, and 59 opposed. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the independence vote is necessary before the U.K. leaves the EU. “When the nature of the change that is made inevitable by Brexit becomes clear, that change should not be imposed upon us,” Sturgeon said. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May opposes a second referendum vote. The first referendum was rejected in 2014 when 55 percent of Scots voted no.