EDINBURGH, Aug. 27-- The increasing prospect of a no-deal Brexit could put the second Scottish Independence referendum onto a fast track as the historic geopolitical shift may further sour the fragile relations between Westminster and the pro-Remain region. Analysts believed that Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to accelerate her timetable for a second independence referendum if British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers a no-deal Brexit. She said there was "growing urgency" for Scotland to become independent "sooner rather than later" weeks after Johnson was sworn in as the British prime minister with a pledge of Brexit with or without a deal. TIPPING POINT Professor Michael Keating, chair in Scottish politics at the University of Aberdeen, told Xinhua Tuesday that the attitudes in Scotland towards independence from London were changing. "Scotland may be approaching a 'tipping point'," he said. The most recent poll showed the first lead for an independent Scotland for more than two years. According to the new poll 47 percent of respondents in Scotland now want another independence referendum, with 45 percent disagreeing. If a second poll was held, 46 percent would vote Yes to independence, and 43 percent would say No, the poll said. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Scotland voted in favor of Britain staying in the European Union by 62 percent to 38 percent. Business leaders from port operator to fishermen are concerned over a no-deal Brexit prospect which they believe could harm local economy which is traditionally close to Europe. |