Battle for Scotland Isn’t Over: SNP to Submit Timeline for Next Referendum

It comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday said the SNP will set out the timescale for a possible second referendum on independence in its manifesto for the 2016 Holyrood election.

British Prime Minister David Cameron ruled out another independence referendum despite spectacular gains by Scottish nationalists in the May 7 election, saying Scots had “emphatically” rejected a breakaway in last year’s referendum.

The SNP leader’s remarks came ahead of the party’s conference in Aberdeen next month.

This was an increase on the last YouGov poll which found 47% support, and on last year’s referendum result where 45% of votes were in favour of independence.

In any event, Ms Sturgeon does not want to hold another referendum unless she is sure of winning.

Meanwhile, there will be no shortage of suggestions from independence supporters for scenarios that Ms Sturgeon should say could trigger an earlier vote.

“We will be taking absolutely nothing for granted however, and will be working hard every day from now to next year’s election to retain the support of the people of Scotland – just as we have done everyday since 2007″.

The former First Minister said a combination of actions by the UK Government meant a rerun of the constitutional battle was “much closer” than previously predicted.

Condemning Sturgeon’s comments, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Rush Davidson told the Financial Times the SNP is threatening renewed “uncertainty and division“.

“I think there is more we need to do for the transgender communities – so it’s a big agenda and I’m determined that we keep moving in the right direction”.

“This SNP has shown yet again that it will always put its obsession with separation first”.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “People who regretted the divisive nature of referendum and thought that democracy counted will be disappointed that Nicola Sturgeon is putting another referendum as a priority in her manifesto”.

Party leaders used to describe this as a “once in a generation” or even a “once in a lifetime” event.

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “Scottish Labour is changing and politics is changing”.