Sturgeon is keen that Scotland – that voted 62% in favour of EU – remain in the global bloc and is seeking talks with Brussels to protect its interests that include unfettered access to European markets and investment from the continent.
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Sturgeon said that “of course” she would ask Member of Scottish Parliaments to refuse to give their “legislative consent”.
The Welsh and Scottish first ministers have markedly different views over whether their parliaments should try to block the United Kingdom from leaving the European Union. I don’t think that’s how we want to take the situation we are in forward, what we want to do is to work together, the Scottish Government, the UK Government working together to get the best deal for Scotland with the EU.
Her remarks were backed up by an expert in the British constitution and Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins who tweeted that the Scottish parliament Holyrood had no power prevent Brexit.
Ms Sturgeon’s Scottish National Party holds 63 of the 129 Scottish Parliament seats.
Under the United Kingdom’s complex arrangements to devolve some powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, legislation generated in London to formally leave the European Union would have to gain consent from the three other parliaments.
“But withholding consent is not the same as blocking”.
Earlier on Sunday, Nicola Sturgeon said she will lobby EU member states directly for support in ensuring that Scotland can remain part of the European Union, after Scots voted emphatically against Brexit on Thursday.
“My challenge, but also my responsibility as First Minister, is to seek to negotiate to protect Scotland’s interests”. Sturgeon said on Friday a new referendum was “highly likely”.
While Britain voted 52-48 to Leave the EU, Scotland voted 62-38 to Remain.
The First Minister continued: ” The Scottish Cabinet met yesterday and I’m not suggesting for a second that the path ahead is without complexity or it is easy.
European Union officials have cautioned in recent days that Scotland may have to apply like other new member states, which are required to adopt the euro. Her statement is indicating clear signs that Scotland could now break away from the UK.
“You’re not going to vote for something that is not in Scotland’s interests”, Sturgeon said.
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Ms Sturgeon’s determination to keep Scotland in the ever-expanding bloc, which some critics and fans alike say is undemocratic and on the road to becoming a federal superstate, is shared across party lines.
