Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has received a negative response after failing to rule out another independence vote taking place in Scotland.
In September’s referendum, 55 per cent of voters chose to remain part of the UK, but since then the SNP has seen a growth in support and polls suggest that it can expect to take control of numerous Labour seats in the upcoming general election.
Ms Sturgeon’s refusal to rule out another attempt to break up the United Kingdom has been criticised by other political parties, particularly because it means greater economic uncertainty will affect the rest of the UK.
Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has publically made his opinion clear that the whole country would suffer if the SNP chose to embark on a referendum vote once again.
Mr Clegg warned that the SNP clearly intends to “constantly ask everybody the same question until they get an answer they want.”
Ms Sturgeon acknowledged the recent referendum result but stated that any future referendum would have to meet certain conditions.
She said: “Firstly, there would have to be a change of circumstances from the referendum last year for a proposal for another referendum to be in an SNP manifesto in future.
“Secondly, people would then have to vote for that manifesto … thirdly, people would then have to vote for independence.
“The point I am making is that this is a decision that lies in the hands of the people.”