Understanding Scotland’s Call for a ‘Legal’ Independence Referendum

Scotland’s governing Scottish National Party (SNP) is calling for an independence referendum, but has been vague about the terms and the timing of such a vote. While independence is improbable in 2021, the issue of Scottish secession will continue to generate questions about the United Kingdom’s long-term territorial integrity. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said on Jan. 24 that she would seek a “legal referendum” on Scottish independence if her SNP wins the legislative election on May 6. Current opinion polls suggest that the SNP should win the election by a comfortable margin. ...