Scotland plans for second independence vote after Brexit

Scotland's government is working on preparations for a second independence referendum following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Saturday that the government was working to present legislation to allow the referendum to break away from the United Kingdom.

She expressed her “deep disappointment” at Britain's decision to leave the 28-member bloc and said, “We are determined to act decisively.”

“A second (Scottish) independence referendum is clearly an option that requires to be on the table, and it is very much on the table,” she said.

“To ensure that that option is a deliverable one in the required timetable, steps will be taken now to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place,” the first minister added.

In a 2014 referendum, Scotland voted 55-45 percent to preserve the 307-year-old political union with England and Wales as Great Britain.

Sturgeon said that Scotland will immediately begin talks on “all possible options to protect Scotland's place in the EU.”

Scotland voted 62 to 38 percent to remain in the EU in the referendum on Thursday.

Britain voted to leave the bloc by a margin of 52 to 48 percent, sending shockwaves around the world.

The decision prompted David Cameron to announce that he would step down as prime minister before October's Conservative conference.

In Northern Ireland, where 56 percent of voters opted to remain in the EU, there is speculation about the prospect of a vote to unite with the neighboring EU member, the Republic of Ireland.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk