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Scotland Publishes Draft Independence Referendum Bill

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scottish First Minister John Swinney announced the government published a draft independence referendum bill.
The draft asks voters to answer “Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.”
The bill will set the voting franchise and include a referendum date when introduced.
In May, a record number of pro-independence MSPs voted to devolve referendum powers.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said another Scottish independence referendum is “off the table.”

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Story summary

Scottish First Minister John Swinney announced the government published a draft independence referendum bill.
The draft asks voters to answer “Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.”
The bill will set the voting franchise and include a referendum date when introduced.
In May, a record number of pro-independence MSPs voted to devolve referendum powers.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said another Scottish independence referendum is “off the table.”