Scotland makes formal request to UK for independence vote

The Scottish government on Friday formally asked British Prime Minister Theresa May for a second referendum on independence, deepening a crisis sparked by the Brexit vote.

“I am… writing to begin early discussions between our governments to agree an Order under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 that would enable a referendum to be legislated for by the Scottish Parliament,” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote in a letter to May.

Scotexit? 'Now is not the time’ for Scottish referendum says May

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday rejected a call by the Scottish government for a second referendum on independence before Britain leaves the EU — but did not rule out a vote entirely.

“I say now is not the time,” she said, arguing that all of Britain’s energies should be put into the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

UK Parliament clears way for talks with EU, passes Bexit bill

The UK Parliament has passed the Brexit bill, paving the way for the government to trigger Article 50 so the UK can leave the European Union.

Peers backed down over the issues of EU residency rights and a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal after their objections were overturned by MPs.

The bill is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law on Tuesday.