Scotland’s first minister wondered if this could be one of Boris Johnson’s “last acts as prime minister”. Ms Sturgeon claimed the referendum will go ahead regardless of the British government’s stance against it.
She also reiterated the planned date for the referendum to take place – October 19, 2023.
And Mrs Sturgeon claimed that Scotland will not be a “prisoner” of the Prime Minister.
In a post on Twitter, she said: “Just received this from Johnson (one of his last acts as Prime Minister?). To be clear, Scotland will have the chance to vote for independence – I hope in a referendum on October 19, 2023 but, if not, by universal suffrage. Scottish democracy will not be a prisoner of this or any Prime Minister.”
In his letter to Ms Sturgeon, Mr Boris suggested that the question voted in the referendum in 2014 had been “clearly answered”.
He pointed to other “priorities,” citing the cost of living crisis and the pandemic.
The full letter read: “Thank you for your letter of 28 June regarding Scottish Independence.
“I have carefully considered the arguments you have put forward for a transfer of power from the British Parliament to the Scottish Parliament to hold another referendum on independence. As our country faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, I do not agree that it is now time to return to a question that was clearly answered by the people of Scotland in 2014.
“Our shared priorities must be to respond effectively to the global cost of living challenge, to support our NHS and public services in recovering from the massive disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to play our leading role in the international response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine. These are common challenges across the UK and deserve our full attention.
“People rightly expect the UK and Scottish governments to work together in their best interests – and that is what we are doing, as reflected in our prolific appeal on Monday night. We are working together on measures to reduce the cost of living, and I hope we will soon will be given the opportunity, together with colleagues from the Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments, to discuss further action at the next Prime Minister and the heads of the Governing Council.
“On COVID-19, we maintain the close collaboration started during the acute phase of the pandemic as we continue to navigate the next phase. On Ukraine, I am grateful for your continued support for the UK’s response to Putin’s brutality. The Government is making a significant contribution to our humanitarian response, through the innovative, decentralized route of government sponsorship in our Homes for Ukraine programme. The Scottish Government’s contribution of £65 million to our continued military support to Ukraine will help our brave allies to continue the fight. In addition, our ministerial colleagues are strengthening and deepening their cooperation at all levels through the new inter-ministerial groups.
“On all fronts, we can achieve so much more for the people we serve by continuing to work together as partners.
“Thanks again for writing to me.”