FIRST Minister John Swinney is set to ask Holyrood to formally request the transfer of powers from the UK Government to Scotland to allow a referendum on independence to be held.
On Tuesday, MSPs will vote on the motion that requests that the Parliament welcomes the “emphatic democratic mandate for bold and ambitious reform backed by the people of Scotland at the Scottish General Election.”
It continues with a call on the UK Government to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence.
It comes after a record-breaking number of pro-independence MSPs were elected to the Scottish Parliament.
What time is the vote?
The parliament will convene at 2pm, starting after some initial parliamentary business.
John Swinney will then make a statement introducing the motion, before the other parties introduce amendments. All parties bar Reform UK have submitted an amendment.
The decision is expected at around 5pm.
How to watch the vote
The vote will be broadcasted live on through Scottish Parliament's official broadcaster.
You can access the live feed on Scottish Parliament TV, or follow our live blog for all the updates.
Why is the vote happening now?
With the SNP winning 58 seats and the Greens 15, their highest return, there are now 73 pro-independence MSPs, out of the total 129.
Both the SNP and Greens have said this is a mandate from the public for a second referendum.
The Scottish Greens have said that it would be a democratic outrage for unionist parties to ignore the largest-ever pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament and block Scotland’s path to a better future.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has called for Parliament to “unite behind Scotland’s right to decide” ahead of the vote while Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay has said it would be a democratic outrage for unionist parties to ignore the largest-ever pro-independence majority.
Mackay said: "The case for independence will be won when people can clearly see how it can improve everyday life for them and their communities. That means using every power currently available to Holyrood to tackle poverty, lower bills, strengthen public services and take meaningful action on the climate crisis.
“The Scottish Greens have shown that even with limited powers, we can make a real difference. Greens secured free bus travel for young people, pushed for rent protections during the cost of living crisis and helped deliver measures that put more money back into people’s pockets when families needed support most. Imagine what could be achieved with the full powers of an independent country.”
