DUNFERMLINE and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman has said the mandate for a second independence referendum is "unquestionable."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today announced the Scottish Government's plan to hold a second referendum on October 19, 2023.

A bill will now be referred to the UK Supreme court to establish the legal basis for the poll ahead of it being introduced in the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking after the First Minister’s announcement, SNP MP Douglas Chapman said: “In election after election, the majority of Scottish people have voted for parties proposing to hold a legal referendum on Scottish independence.

“The mandate for next year’s poll is unquestionable, and today’s announcement takes us a huge step closer to delivering on the clear desire for a referendum on our nation’s future.

“The timing couldn’t be more crucial, as we face a spiralling cost-of-living crisis, a disastrous Brexit, and chaotic governance from Westminster with a Prime Minister who has difficulty in telling the truth.

“Next year, we will have the opportunity to win a wealthier, happier and fairer country through a totally legal democratic process and our campaign to build that better country is firmly underway.”