Judges at the Supreme Court in London are used to their decisions being scrutinised by politicians. They found themselves at the heart of the protracted arguments over Brexit in 2019, and will no doubt rule on equally controversial issues in the future.
But the court’s judgement today has the potential to make an impact on Scotland like no other. It will issue a ruling on whether the Scottish Parliament has the right to stage a referendum on independence without the prior approval of Westminster.
Nicola Sturgeon asked the Lord Advocate to refer the matter to the Supreme Court earlier this year after the UK Government made it clear it would not agree to an IndyRef2. Supporters of the First Minister argue she has been forced into this position as a last resort.
