Under increasing pressure on Mr Johnson to resign from the post of Prime Minister, Ms Sturgeon sent a letter to her on Wednesday stating that the Prime Minister is calling for a transfer of powers to hold a new divorce vote on her call for transfer. of powers had “barely considered”. October 19 next year. However, the Prime Minister told Ms Sturgeon that he could not agree that it is now time to return to a question clearly answered by the people of Scotland in 2014, when 55 per cent of Scots were in favor of staying in the UK.
The development came on the day when dozens of his own ministers and aides called on him to stop.
Last week, FM wrote to Mr Johnson that she was ready for talks to negotiate powers to hold the vote.
Ms Sturgeon said she had received his reply and wondered if it would be one of his last acts as Prime Minister.
Both Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Minister Savid Javid resigned their positions on Tuesday evening.
Mr Johnson told Ms Sturgeon: “I have carefully considered the arguments you have put forward for a transfer of power from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament to hold another independence referendum.
“As our country faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, I cannot agree that now is the time to return to a question that was clearly answered by the people of Scotland in 2014.”
Ms Sturgeon insisted that, despite Mr Johnson’s refusal, Scotland “will be given the chance to vote for independence – I hope in a referendum on 19 October 2023”.
Before the Scottish Parliament went into summer recess last week, Ms Sturgeon addressed the MSPs, proposing 19 October 2023 as the date for a new independence referendum.
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“To be clear, Scotland will have the opportunity 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, Mr Johnson highlighted the cooperation between the two governments on measures to lower the cost of living, close cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and continued support for the UK’s response to the war in Ukraine.
He concluded: “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.”