Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon kicked off a debate today on a second bid for independence from the rest of the United Kingdom.

At the end of March, UK Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger the two-year process of leaving the European Union, following the Brexit referendum decision in June.

Nicola Sturgeon says the Scottish people should be allowed a second referendum on independence after a majority of Scottish voters in the last summer's Brexit poll opted to stay in the EU.

The Brexit referendum exposed splits that could threaten the unity of the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland delivering pro-EU majorities but finding themselves outvoted by the English and Welsh, who were in favour of leaving the bloc.

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