Scottish independence is essential for tackling cost-of-living crisis says Nicola Sturgeon

Scottish independence is essential to resolving the cost-of-living crisis impacting thousands of households, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister will on Tuesday outline her plans for holding a second referendum on Scotland’s future in the UK to the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Sturgeon has said she intends the vote to be held in October 2023.

However there are significant barriers in the way as the Westminster Government is unlikely to approve the plans.

Scottish independence is essential to resolving the cost-of-living crisis impacting thousands of households, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

A section 30 order, a clause in the Scotland Act which would grant a legal referendum, is required but the UK Government has repeatedly rejected requests for one.

Speaking ahead of her statement to MSPs, Ms Sturgeon said Westminster austerity policies have caused families to face soaring energy bills and food prices.

She said: “The cost-of-living crisis did not happen overnight.