The Guardian reports: Nicola Sturgeon says she believes a second referendum on Scottish independence is “highly likely” after the rest of the UK voted to leave the EU.

The first minister said her government had already started the process of preparing legislation at Holyrood to pave the way for a second vote before the UK formally quits the EU in about two years’ time.

Speaking in Edinburgh, Sturgeon said she was deeply disappointed by the result of the UK referendum but said it had exposed a clear divide between Scottish and English voters, after Scotland voted heavily in favour of remaining.

She said that divide met her government’s central test before holding a second vote on independence of “a material change” in Scotland’s position within the UK.

“It is a significant material change in circumstances. It’s a statement of the obvious that the option of a second independence referendum must be on the table and it is on the table,” she said.

She disclosed the Scottish government would seek urgent talks with the European commission and other European member states to make clear Scotland wanted to remain within the EU – a clear hint she is hoping the EU will back the country’s continued membership before the UK formally leaves. [Continue reading…]