Scotland's Sturgeon challenges UK: only court can stop a referendum - Sky

Scotland's First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon poses for a photo with Edinburgh Central candidate Angus Robertson as she campaigns in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain May 4, 2021, ahead of the upcoming Scottish Parliament election. Jane Barlow/Pool via REUTERS

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon challenged British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to oppose plans for another independence referendum in court, saying that only the courts could prevent another such vote.

"I'm saying if Boris Johnson wants to stop it, he would have to take legal action," Sturgeon told Sky.

"If Boris Johnson didn't do that, by definition it would be a legal referendum. If he did do that, the courts would decide," Sturgeon said.

FILE PHOTO: Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Joan McAlpine campaign in Midsteeple Quarter for the Scottish Parliament election, in Dumfries, Scotland, Britain May 3, 2021. Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via REUTERS

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Kate Holton)

Scotland's First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon with Edinburgh Central candidate Angus Robertson feeds cows during a visit to LOVE Gorgie Farm as she campaigns in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain May 4, 2021, ahead of the upcoming Scottish Parliament election. Jane Barlow/Pool via REUTERS