A Lanarkshire MSP has slammed the decision to block a second independence referendum being held next year.
The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that any referendum would require approval from the UK Government as well as the Scottish Government before going ahead - something that the current Conservative government have stated they will not do.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had hoped to call a second poll on the union next October, and has previously said that the next general election would serve as a de facto referendum for her party if plans for a second indyref were blocked.
Now Clare Haughey, the MSP for Rutherglen, has hit out at the verdict.
She told Lanarkshire Live : “Of course, I am very disappointed with the Supreme Court’s ruling. Nonetheless, their decision shatters the notion that the UK is a voluntary union, as long believed, or a partnership of equals, and exposes a situation that is quite simply unsustainable.
"From now, the independence movement is as much about democracy as it is about independence.
"Scotland’s independence remains essential if we are to escape the disaster of Brexit, the damage of policies imposed by governments we don’t vote for, and a UK economic model which delivers inequality and poverty.
"Scotland's voice must be heard - democracy will prevail."
There has been criticism of Ms Sturgeon's decision-making over the matter by political rivals from across the spectrum.
The Scottish secretary Alistair Jack said: "People in Scotland want both their governments to be concentrating all attention and resources on the issues that matter most to them.
"That’s why we are focussed on issues like restoring economic stability, getting people the help they need with their energy bills, and supporting our NHS."
Alba party leader Alex Salmond said: "The decision of the Supreme Court today is the result of a bad gamble that hasn’t paid off.
"What should have happened was the Scottish Parliament should have passed the legislation for an independence referendum and forced the UK Government to be the ones that challenged it.
"Real Parliaments don’t ask for permission to implement their democratic mandate."
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