‘This changes everything’: how Brexit altered Scotland’s political landscape
Former party leaders reflect on the turbulence that followed the referendum in which most Scottish voters backed the losing side
TL;DR
- Scottish independence support has seen a boost following the Brexit vote, with some polls indicating near record levels.
- Scots overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU in 2016 but were taken out, leading to a sense of betrayal and increased support for independence.
- Former leaders Kezia Dugdale and Nicola Sturgeon expressed devastation and anger following the Brexit result, seeing it as a pivotal moment.
- While a "tidal wave" of support for independence did not immediately materialize, the issue's salience has been sustained by subsequent political crises.
- Economic factors, including Brexit's impact on Scotland's revenue and food bills, are now central to the independence debate.
- Despite efforts to make independence a central theme, recent election results have not delivered a clear mandate for a second referendum.
- Voter disillusionment is high, partly due to the perceived failure of Brexit to deliver on promises and a general decline in trust in political institutions.