Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Nicola Sturgeon has today given up acting as first minister for all of Scotland. 

"People have said time and again that they do not want to go back to the division of a second referendum. 

"Nicola Sturgeon promised the 2014 referendum would be 'once in a generation'.

"Today she has ignored the majority in Scotland who do not want a referendum and has decided instead to double down on division and uncertainty."

Image source, bbc

Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to hold another independence referendum has been branded “utterly irresponsible” by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson.

Earlier today, the first minister announced she wanted to hold a second independence referendum next year or early in 2019.

Ms Sturgeon said: "If I ruled out a referendum, I would be deciding - completely unilaterally - that Scotland will follow the UK to a hard Brexit come what may, no matter how damaging to our economy and our society it turns out to be. 

 "That should not be the decision of just one politician - not even the first minister. It will be decided by the people of Scotland. It will be Scotland's choice."

Image source, Thinkstock

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the people of Scotland must be offered a choice between a hard Brexit and becoming an independent country.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK government on the details of a Section 30 order to enable an independence referendum to take place.

In a speech ahead of the UK government triggering the UK’s formal process to exit from the European Union, the first minister said that, despite Scotland voting by 62% to 38% to remain in Europe, the UK government "has not moved even an inch in pursuit of compromise and agreement" since the Brexit vote.

Image source, bbc

In addition, Ms Sturgeon said the UK government had ruled out membership of the European Single Market "with no prior consultation" and warned of real economic damage caused by the UK leaving the single market.

The first minister added that there must be clarity on the implications of Brexit for Scotland – and clarity about independence – before the choice is put to the country. 

She therefore proposed that a referendum take place between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019, when the shape of the UK’s Brexit deal will become clear.

Ms Sturgeon says the Scottish government will do all it can to protect EU nationals living in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon is asked if she accepts that any referendum could cause uncertainty and damage the economy.

The first minister says the Scottish government will continue to work with the business community.

She says another independence referendum would be about creating greater certainty and clarity. 

Do you think it will be a 'Yes-No' question? the first minister is asked.

Ms Sturgeon says she thinks it would be.

She is asked how this announcement chimes with her defining mission of education.

The first minister says education remains her defining mission and the independence referendum is integral to the day job that she does.

Image source, Getty Images

Ms Sturgeon is asked how she reconciles another independence referendum with those in Scotland who wanted to leave the EU. 

The first minister says it is a matter of "democratic principle" and Scotland has the right to decide its own future. 

The first minister says Scotland must have an informed choice.

She is asked if there have been any discussions with the Greens about approving a second independence referendum.

Ms Sturgeon says she will let the Greens speak for themselves, but their position on independence is well known.

Image source, bbc

Ms Sturgeon is asked what currency an independent Scotland would have.

The first minister says "all in due course," saying this will be set out in time and she wants to provide as much detail as possible for an "informed choice".

"This is about Scotland deciding what sort of country it wants to be." 

Image source, Getty Images

Ms Sturgeon is asked if the Scottish Parliament will be able to set the franchise (who is allowed to vote) and the question for a second independence referendum.

The first minister says there would be a rather furious reaction if the UK government decided to dictate both of these.

She says these are decisions for the Scottish Parliament. 

When asked about the market with the UK, Ms Sturgeon says Scotland becoming politically independent is not severing all ties with the UK. 

Ms Sturgeon says "we are on a path to a hard Brexit" which will have "profound affects" on Scotland.

The first minister says it is for the people of Scotland to decide.

Image source, samryley