Scotland to seek new independence push: First minister

LONDON

Scotland’s first minister wrote a message to the U.K.'s new premier on Thursday, informing him that she will give Scotland the choice to become independent if the country is dragged out of the EU.

Nicola Sturgeon warned Boris Johnson that Brexit would be damaging to Scotland’s economy and that a no-deal Brexit would have a severe impact on Scottish jobs and livelihoods, making clear that it was essential Scotland have an alternative option.

"I am writing to you today to draw your attention to work carried out by the Scottish Government which details the likely specific impact of Brexit on Scotland. Given the gravity of the potential damage to jobs and livelihoods, this material should be at the top of your in-tray," Sturgeon said in her letter.

"However, given your public comments about leaving the EU on October 31 with or without a deal, 'come what may' and 'do or die', it is now -- more than ever -- essential that in Scotland we have an alternative option," she added.

According to Sturgeon, even a free trade agreement would see a fall in Scottish national income of up to £1,600 ($1,996) per person and that a no-deal Brexit would cost Scotland 100,000 jobs, leaving many unemployed.

She made clear that it was in her government’s mandate to continue to make preparations for Scottish independence and that the Scottish Parliament would seriously consider appropriate legislation for an independence referendum in the coming months.

"Similarly any decision of the Scottish Parliament on whether to give people that choice must be respected. The Parliament will consider the necessary framework legislation for a referendum after the summer recess," she said.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU during the 2016 EU referendum with 62% of the population choosing to remain in the bloc while 38% opted to leave.