Summary

  • Supreme Court judges have unanimously rejected the Scottish government's argument that it can hold a second independence referendum

  • Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the judgement closes one door but she believes the next general election can be used as a de-facto vote on independence

  • At Prime Minister's Questions Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons that he welcomed the "clear and definitive ruling" by Lord Reed and his fellow judges

  • For a fresh legal vote, Westminster would have to temporarily hand over powers to Holyrood, like it did in 2014

  • The first independence referendum eight years ago resulted in voters saying "no" to change

  • Polling in the past few years suggests the electorate in Scotland is split more or less down the middle on the issue

  • Rallies for independence took place in a number of towns and cities with the Edinburgh event being addressed by Ms Sturgeon

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

  1. Here's a brief reminder of the arguments from both sides...

    Dorothy Bain KCGetty Images

    Dorothy Bain KC led the case for the Scottish government

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants a referendum to be held on 19 October next year.

    But the UK government has so far refused to give formal consent for the vote to go ahead.

    The Supreme Court was asked to clarify whether the Scottish Parliament can legislate for a referendum without that consent.

    Dorothy Bain KC, the Scottish government's top law officer, has argued that a referendum would be "advisory" and would have no legal effect on the Union.

    Ms Bain told the court that while Scottish ministers might have the "subjective intention" of independence, the bill itself would be objectively neutral.

    Sir James Eadie KCGetty Images

    Sir James Eadie KC represented the UK government

    But Sir James Eadie KC, the UK government's independent barrister on legal issues of national importance, said it was "obvious" that the bill related to reserved matters and the Union.

    He said that meant it would fall outside of the competence of the Scottish Parliament, and argued that the Supreme Court should not rule on the case.

  2. Welcome

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of what promises to be a historic day in Scottish politics.

    The Supreme Court will rule on indyref2 powers this morning.

    The UK's highest court heard arguments in the case last month.

    The Scottish government said an independence referendum would fall within devolved powers, but the UK government said it was a matter reserved for Westminster.

    The decision will be delivered at 09:45 BST, so stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest news, reaction and analysis.