Second independence referendum in Scotland could ask 'variation' of question asked in 2014

Scottish Labour leader described the draft bill as 'irresponsible economic vandalism'

A pro-Scottish independence sticker is attached to a sign post on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh (Getty)

A second independence referendum in Scotland could ask voters a “variation” of the question that was put to them in 2014, according to a consultation document published by the Scottish government.

It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, announced at the SNP conference in Glasgow last week, to a standing ovation, that she would publish the draft legislation and lead the fight against the Conservatives’ plans for a so-called hard Brexit.

The draft legislation, which was formally unveiled by the constitution secretary, Derek Mackay, says that while it is “expected” the same question would be used again – ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ – there could be a variation.

It says: “At this stage, it is expected that the same question would be used again – but if as a result of consultation the Scottish Government is minded to propose a variation on that question it would submit the proposal to the Electoral Commission for independent testing in the usual way.”

The move does not, however, mean another referendum will definitely be held. A spokesperson for Theresa May also dismissed the need for another independence vote, adding: “The Prime Minister and the Government does not believe that there is a mandate for one.

“There was one only two years ago. There was an extremely high turnout and there was a resounding result in favour of Scotland remaining in the UK.”

David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, said that the issue of whether Scotland should leave the UK was “settled conclusively” in 2014. “The people of Scotland said no decisively then and there is no public attitude for a second referendum now,” he added.

“People in Scotland need a Scottish Government that is focused on the day job – not obsessed with pushing their ideological agenda at any cost.

“The UK is the vital union for Scotland and my clear priority is to get the best possible deal as we leave the EU. To do that we need to take this distracting and divisive issue of independence off the table.”

Describing the draft bill as "irresponsible economic vandalism", Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: "Our economy is in trouble following David Cameron's reckless Brexit gamble, and the very last thing we need is more uncertainty for employers.

"This publication confirms that the SNP's top priority is to divide our country. My message to the First Minister is this: we are divided enough - do not divide us again.

"Instead of seeking fresh divisions, the SNP should be prioritising our public services such as education and healthcare. This is a referendum that Scotland does not need or want."