Holyrood election 2016: Where the parties stand on Scottish independence

Voters in Scotland go to the polls on Thursday 5 May to choose their next MSPs. But where do the parties stand on key issues? Here we look at Scottish independence.

Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon shares her view of independence

  • a second independence referendum when independence is the "preferred option of the majority of the people of Scotland"

  • or if there is a "significant or material change in the circumstances", such as "Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will"

  • summer campaign to persuade people on case for independence

Scottish Labour Party leader Kezia Dugdale shares her view of independence

  • no to second independence referendum for the next parliament

Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson shares her view of independence

  • no to a second independence referendum for the next parliament

  • support the creation of a new UK-wide effort to promote the strengths and values of the Union

Scottish Liberal Democrat Party leader Willie Rennie shares his view of independence

  • no to second independence referendum for the next parliament

  • continue to make the case for a diverse, federal UK

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie shares his view of independence

  • would be a "different context" for another independence referendum

  • written constitution produced by the Scottish people in a citizen-led process

  • a petition signed by an appropriate number of voters, citizens should be able to trigger a vote on important issues of devolved responsibility

  • further devolution to local government

  • no to second independence referendum for the next parliament

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