UK top court will take 'months' to decide Scottish referendum case

A pro-Scottish independence campaigner protests outside of the United Kingdom Supreme Court whilst a case continues to decide whether the Scottish government can hold a second referendum on independence next year without approval from the British parliament, in London, Britain, October 11, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville

The United Kingdom Supreme Court said on Tuesday it would take months to reach a decision on whether the Scottish government can hold a second referendum on independence next year without approval from the British parliament.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has said she wants to hold an independence vote on Oct. 19, 2023, but that it had to be lawful and internationally recognised.