NEWS

Supreme Court to hear case that could set precedent for Wales to hold its own independence referendum

The Supreme Court is to hear arguments on a case that could set a precedent that would allow Wales to hold its own independence referendum.

2 years ago   2 minutes read    1,356 views

The image for Supreme Court to hear case that could set precedent for Wales to hold its own independence referendum
 
Share            Listen to the story

By Nation Cymru


The Supreme Court is to hear arguments on a case that could set a precedent that would allow Wales to hold its own independence referendum.

The UK’s highest court will decide whether Scotland can hold an advisory independence referendum of their own without Westminster’s approval.


  Other Trending Stories

If the Scottish Government are successful it could pave the way for Wales to do the same further down the line.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC, the Scottish Government’s most senior legal adviser, referred the matter to the court earlier this month in order to determine if the vote, which First Minister Nicola Sturgeon intends to hold on October 19 2023, would be in Holyrood’s legislative competence.

In her filing, Ms Bain posed the question: “Does the provision of the proposed Scottish Independence Referendum Bill that provides that the question to be asked in a referendum would be ‘should Scotland be an independent country?’ relate to reserved matters?”

The UK Government called for the case to be thrown out before it proceeded to a formal hearing, suggesting that the referral was “premature”.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price had previously said that if the Supreme Court decided that Scotland can hold an advisory referendum then Wales could do the same.

“If the Supreme Court decides in favour, we in Wales will have a route to go directly to the people of Wales in order to have a mandate for securing our own right to self-determination as a nation,” he told Radio Cymru.

‘Competence’

The Supreme Court confirmed on Tuesday that it had refused an application from Advocate General for Scotland, Lord Stewart QC, which would have required both sides to file “written cases restricted to the question whether the court can or should accept the reference”.

The court said there were two issues to consider, whether it can or should accept the reference, and if so, how it should answer the question put forward by the Lord Advocate.

Arguments on both issues should be heard at a single hearing as a result, the court said, citing “the interests of justice and the efficient disposal of the proceedings”.

Both parties have until August 9 to make written submissions, with confirmation yet to be given on when the case will be heard.

A UK Government spokesman said:

“We appreciate the Supreme Court dealing with our application quickly.

“We will proceed to prepare our written case on the preliminary points we have noted, and on the substantive issue, to the timetable set out by the court.

“On the question of legislative competence, the UK Government’s clear view remains that a Bill legislating for a referendum on independence would be outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.”

The UK Government said it had asked the court to look at a number of preliminary issues and that the court has agreed to do so, and will look at them at the same time as it looks at the substantive case.

The post Supreme Court to hear case that could set precedent for Wales to hold its own independence referendum appeared first on Nation.Cymru.

You've viewed 1 stories so far!

All About Newtown is an independent not-for-profit online news and information service for the town of Newtown in Mid Wales. We provide ad-free content, so rely on reader subscriptions and donations to run.

  Donate via PayPal

Related or similar stories based on this one

Image for the article New Senedd constituencies confirmed
New Senedd constituencies confirmed

1 month ago

Image for the article Opinion: car parking still not resolved
Opinion: car parking still not resolved

6 months ago

Image for the article King addresses Senedd to mark anniversary of devolution
King addresses Senedd to mark anniversary of devolution

9 months ago

Business of the Week
La Terrazza Bistro

Park Street

Follow us

Connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Google News

     

Trending
Road was closed over 'incident' between two parties

1 day ago

Councillors question pothole claim publicity

1 day ago

Powys could be forced to use reserves over NI costs

2 days ago

Donate to us

We're a not-for-profit community interest company and have no corporate owners. We'd appreciate anything you can give to keep us providing free content.

  Donate via PayPal
Upcoming Events
Newtown 10k 2025

25/05/25 08:40am

Business Wales: Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Service

27/05/25 11:00am

The Weave

07/06/25 07:30pm

Latest Stories
Senedd demands action on nature loss

22 hours ago

County Council Leader to resign next week

1 day ago

Road was closed over 'incident' between two parties

1 day ago