In the midst of the crisis in the British Government that could lead to Johnson's departure in the coming hours, the Prime Minister on Wednesday refused to authorize the Scottish chief minister, the nationalist Nicola Sturgeon, to hold an independence referendum in Scotland in the proposed date of October 19, 2023.
Downing Street, residence and office of the conservative leader, has released a letter in which he argues that "this is not the time" to hold that consultation, after the one that was already organized in 2014, which was won by the supporters of remaining in the United Kingdom.
In response, Sturgeon has assured on Twitter that "Scotland will have the opportunity to choose independence", if not in that referendum, "through a general election" plebiscitary. "Scottish democracy will not be held prisoner by this or any other Prime Minister," she added.
The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP, in English) announced in June that she would request the approval of the central Executive but, knowing that it would be denied, at the same time she would legislate to organize that plebiscite. That legislation is now being reviewed by the British High Court.
A large group of his ministers met this Wednesday in Downing Street to ask him to resign. One of them has indicated to the BBC that if he refuses to do so, the cabinet will rebel.
