Michael Cove, the minister in charge of co-ordinating the government, said on Wednesday that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not approve a new referendum on Scotland’s independence ahead of the next general election, scheduled for 2024.
In an interview with the newspaper Daily Telegraph, A minister of Scottish descent, said he “did not see” how a new popular council could be convened in 2014, when 55% of Scots voted to stay in the UK.
The Prime Minister of Scotland, the nationalist Nicola Sturgeon, is to approve a bill in the regional parliament for a second vote in this Assembly, after the crisis of the Kovit-19 epidemic has been eliminated.
With regard to the Coalition responsible for relations with Scotland and other countries (Wales and Northern Ireland), it would be “irresponsible and foolish” to undertake a new consultation when that country is recovering from an epidemic.
“As we recover from Govt-19, I think it is nonsense to talk about a referendum now,” said Cowe, adding that “during this parliamentary term, the economy is fully committed to reassuring the people and improving their lives.”
To hold an independent referendum, the Scottish executive needs the approval of the British government, despite autonomy for issues such as health or education.
The SNP argues that the UK exit from the EU, which 62% opposed the Scots, has changed circumstances and justifies a new popular advice.
