These are difficult days for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the civil servants under her command. The Supreme Court kiboshing Holyrood on indyref2 has shredded the SNP’s flagship manifesto commitment.
She is left arguing for the general election to be a ‘de facto’ referendum - a move she admits is not her preferred strategy. The unanimous ruling by judges also raises awkward questions for the officials who have prepared the Government’s independence case since Alex Salmond was in charge.
If Indyref2 is reserved to Westminster, can public servants be used to work on a constitutional issue outwith the Scottish Parliament’s powers? A UK Government-led review will consider the implications of the Court ruling for Scottish Government civil servants.
