Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has published a draft independence bill, fulfilling a commitment made after the May Scottish election. The legislation outlines plans for a potential referendum on independence, but its introduction into Parliament hinges on the Scottish government securing the necessary powers from the UK government.
Swinney stated that "the world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland." He asserted that "Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK government delivered." He further emphasized that "nobody will take better decisions about Scotland's future than the people who live here" and that "That future belongs to the people of Scotland - and no-one else."
If the necessary powers are granted, the draft bill would propose allowing registered voters aged 16 and over, along with qualifying foreign nationals, to participate in a future independence referendum, mirroring the eligibility criteria of current legislation. Swinney indicated he would provide further details on Scotland's constitutional future in the coming weeks.