Overview

• Ministers released a 22-page paper, "Your Right To Decide," urging a UK pledge to facilitate a lawful vote if pro‑independence MSPs secure a majority at the next Holyrood election.
• First Minister John Swinney said a fresh vote has "never been more important, more urgent or more necessary" and set a goal of winning an SNP majority to mirror 2011.
• The paper cites the 2011 precedent that led to the 2014 referendum and argues sufficient time has passed, referencing Northern Ireland’s seven‑year rule for repeat votes.
• A UK Government spokesperson rejected the move, saying it is not a priority for Scots and highlighting a focus on economic growth and public services.
• Opposition figures accused Swinney of deflection, with Labour’s Neil Bibby calling the push desperate and the Conservatives’ Rachael Hamilton urging focus on health, education, and roads.