This policy outlook examines the impact of the 2021 elections on the prospect of Scottish independence.
On May 6, 2021 the “most important elections in Scottish history” took place. Campaigns were run on issues such as Covid-19 recovery, tax plans, child poverty and assistance for the elderly. However, the subject on everyone’s mind — both in and outside of the country — was independence. The 2014 national referendum on independence delivered a 55 to 44 per cent decision for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom. However, the Brexit referendum —in which the Scottish population decidedly opposed leaving the EU—rekindled the conversation on independence and amplified calls for a departure from the 314-year-old Union. This policy outlook examines the impact of the 2021 elections on the prospect of Scottish independence. It analyses the likelihood of independence, plausible timelines, and what an independent Scotland could look like.
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