Nicola Sturgeon's statement on an independence referendum in full

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted “now is the time for independence” as she unveiled plans to hold a second referendum on Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom on October 19 2023.

The Scottish First Minister outlined plans to hold a consultative vote on that date, with her government publishing a Bill to enable a second referendum.

She also revealed to MSPs at Holyrood that Scotland’s most senior law officer, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain will refer the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill to the UK Supreme Court, to see if such a vote would be legal.

Here is Nicola Sturgeon delievering her statement to MSPs in full.