Nicola Sturgeon LIVE: Independence dream edges closer as major deal to be sealed TODAY

Sturgeon must 'take responsibility for failings' says MP

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The SNP had been locked in negotiations with the Scottish Green party since the SNP fell short of an overall majority in Holyrood by only one seat in the last election May 6. The deal will secure a pro-Scottish independence majority in Holyrood standing at 72 – seven more than the 65 needed. This new arrangement will provide a majority to vote for a second independence referendum after the country voted against an independent Scotland in 2014.

The SNP claim the new term of parliament is an opportunity to build a “fairer, greener and independent Scotland”.

This landmark deal would also place the Greens in power for the first time in the UK.

For the last five years the SNP have operated a minority government with support from the Greens to pass the annual budget.

Yesterday it was confirmed that Sturgeon will appoint the Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater as ministers.

Glasgow MSP, Harvie, becomes Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, working with the Housing Secretary and Net Zero Secretary.

After revealing the details of the deal with the Greens today, Ms Sturgeon is expected to confirm her intention to hold a second independence referendum once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the new Liberal Democrat leader said: “Scotland desperately needs new hope but with the Greens now signed up to support the SNP at every turn, Scotland is now stuck with the status quo.

“We need to fight the climate emergency with ferocity but without the baggage of nationalism.

“The planet doesn’t have time for the new nationalist coalition to drag us back to the all-consuming divisive constitutional arguments of the past.”

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SNP confirms intention of indyref2

Speaking in Holyrood today, Nicola Sturgeon said:

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