Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum17 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePA MediaIndependence supporters gathered outside Holyrood during the voteAngus CochraneSenior political journalist, BBC ScotlandMSPs have endorsed the Scottish government's call for Downing Street to agree to a second independence referendum. The proposition passed a vote at Holyrood with the backing of SNP and Green MSPs.The UK government would have to transfer powers to Holyrood for a second referendum to take place - but Labour ministers have repeatedly said they would refuse to do so.Opposition parliamentarians used the debate to raise concerns about the criminality of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party following a police investigation into funds raised for a referendum campaign. PA MediaJohn Swinney told MSPs that independence could deliver greater security and prosperity The motion agreed by parliament said that this month's Holyrood election result provided a "clear mandate that decisions about Scotland's future are best taken in Scotland and that mandate must be respected". It called on the UK government to grant a Section 30 order, which would give SNP ministers the power to hold a referendum. First Minister John Swinney is expected to raise the issue during upcoming talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. MSPs back call for Holyrood to be given power to hold independence referendumSturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, Cherry saysThe motion also highlighted government commitments to eradicate child poverty, improve the NHS and public services, grow the economy, bring down the cost of living and hit its climate targets.It was opposed by Labour, Reform, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MSPs.Swinney told parliament that independence could take Scotland from "political chaos and economic stagnation" within the...