Sturgeon's Push For Referendum

Nicola Sturgeon has said she wants a second referendum on Scottish independence to take place on October 19 next year, however the matter will be referred to the Supreme Court to establish its legality.

The First Minister said the Scottish Government would be referring the provisions of its referendum Bill to the UK's highest court yesterday afternoon.

She said she wanted an "indisputably lawful" referendum to take place.

Ms Sturgeon said that in the event the court ruled that her proposals are outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, the next general election will become a "de facto referendum".

The UK Government has consistently said it is opposed to a Section 30 order which would grant Holyrood the power to hold another referendum.

She said that the lawfulness of the referendum "must be established as a matter of fact, not just opinion."