Ten Years After Brexit: Scotland Pursues Independence Again

Edinburgh – 23.06.2026: Ten years after Brexit, the Scottish Parliament has once again called for an independence referendum. On May 26, 2026, the Members of Parliament voted 72 to 55 in favor of a motion urging the British government to grant the authority to hold such a referendum. First Minister John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), stated that he will now seek dialogue with the British government. Talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer are planned within the next two weeks.

The British government responded immediately and rejected another referendum. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the British government neither supports independence nor another referendum. This stance continues to cause tensions between Edinburgh and London.

Scotland’s Minister for Europe, Stephen Gethins, stressed on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum that Scotland’s future lies in membership of the European Union. He pointed out the negative economic and social consequences of Brexit for Scotland and underscored the need to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and the EU, even as Scotland seeks an independent position.

The independence movement in Scotland has grown historically. An initial referendum was held in 2014, where 55 percent of voters spoke out against separation. Since then, the SNP has repeatedly called for a new referendum to provide a democratic basis for the wishes of many Scots for sovereignty. The British government has so far refused to grant this permission.

Alongside Scotland, there are also increasing efforts in Wales and Northern Ireland for greater autonomy or independence. In the regional elections in May 2026, the Welsh regional party Plaid Cymru was elected the strongest force in the Welsh Parliament. In Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin leads the government and advocates for reunification with the Republic of Ireland, which further complicates the political situation.

The developments in these regions raise fundamental questions about the future territorial and constitutional structure of the United Kingdom. While London insists on unity, the regional parliaments are demanding greater participation, independence, or even separation from the union.

The debate about Scottish independence and the political future of the United Kingdom will continue to shape British politics for a long time. The outcomes of the planned talks between Edinburgh and London will be of great importance—for both British domestic politics and the position of Great Britain in Europe.