Dr Stefan Theil, John Thornley Fellow and Director of Studies in Law at Sidney, featured on BBC Scotland’s The Nine to discuss an upcoming Supreme Court case that may pave the way for the Scottish Parliament to legislate for another independence referendum without Westminster’s backing.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a second referendum on 19 October 2023, but UK ministers remain opposed. Ms Sturgeon is now looking to the Supreme Court to rule on whether Holyrood has the power to hold a vote without Westminster's support. The Supreme Court will hear arguments for and against Scotland’s indyref2 case on the 11 October.

But will the ruling settle the question of indyref2? Stefan featured on BBC Scotland’s The Nine to discuss the case and said that he expects a resolution on the constitutional question on whether the Scottish parliament has the power to provide legislation for a second referendum. Stefan is less optimistic that this will resolve the political stalemate on the issue that has been rumbling on following the previous referendum in 2014 where Scotland voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%.

Watch Stefan’s appearance on BBC Scotland’s The Nine on Twitter.


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