In a short and simple, but stunning defeat, the Supreme Court today ruled Scottish Independence referendums cannot be held by the Scottish Government.
This causes us to immediately begin to strategise on โWhatโs next?โ
There is some good news, todays court decision helped us establish the facts clearer.
- There is no method for ScotGov to hold a referendum.
- The UN chapter 4 argument, seems also somewhat dead.
However we did get a win.
Essentially the reason a referendum cannot go ahead, is that even in a legally advisory capacity – it would in effect, over rule UK Parliamentary sovereignty.
Do not look behind the green curtain
If UK Parliamentary sovereignty only exists until a popular vote occurs, then that is what we shall do.
The referendum was the gold standard, and to our international audience, who we will need to recognise an independent Scotland, it is incredibly important, and essential, that Scotland has been seen to try every avenue, and tick every box. This is the only way to be certain that eventual recognition will follow.
In the denial of the gold standard, there are some other options that emerge:
- A Scottish Constitutional Convention
- UK General Election single issue vote (Majority seats or 50+1)
- Hung Parliament Hostage – where we give support in exchange for a referendum
- We hold a referendum anyway, since we have now established, the voters of Scotland can over rule UK Parliamentary Sovereignty.