Scottish MPs expected to support new independence referendum

The Scottish parliament is expected to support First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday on her bid to hold a new independence referendum. A vote is planned in a few hours following two days of debate which is underway despite opposition from London. Earlier, British Prime Minister Theresa May rejected Sturgeon’s call for a second independence referendum. The Scottish lawmakers’ backing allows Sturgeon to renew her call. Scots voted against independence in the previous referendum held in September 2014. The Scottish government wants another vote as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. Edinburgh says Scotland should not be dragged out of the EU while the majority of Scots have voted against Brexit.