Newington’s Jodie Gordon looks at what the First Minister’s announcement to reset her proposed Indy Ref 2 timeline means for businesses.

Following the Brexit referendum, which saw 62% of people in Scotland vote Remain, the First Minister called for a second referendum on independence to be held in the autumn of 2018, or the spring of 2019. Last week, Nicola Sturgeon changed her mind and announced that her government would “reset” the proposed timeline, placing independence referendum plans temporarily on hold.

Traditional “No” voters would be premature to rejoice or declare the announcement “political backtracking”. In spite of losing 21 of the 56 seats they held at Westminster the SNP are still committed to pursuing independence and Sturgeon has made it clear to Holyrood that it was still “likely” a referendum would be held before the end of this Scottish Parliamentary term (2021). The prospect of a second independence referendum in Scotland has not been abandoned but merely paused for a short while.

In the meantime, Sturgeon has stated she will use this delay to focus on securing the best possible Brexit deal for Scotland. She will argue for Scotland to remain part of the European single market and for “substantial new powers” for Holyrood. She will hope to take advantage of the UK Government’s weakened position after failing to secure a majority in last month’s general election.

Once the terms of Brexit have become clearer, likely to be autumn 2018, the First Minister will then set out the Scottish Government’s view on the timescales for offering the “People of Scotland a choice over the country’s future”, through a second independence referendum.

Meanwhile opposition parties will step up their demands for the SNP Government to “focus on the day job” of running the suite of already devolved government responsibilities in Scotland, notably health, education and economic growth.

Just as the Scottish Government will be turning its attention to Brexit, businesses can utilise this time to engage with the Scottish Government to raise Brexit concerns, and domestic policy issues. The Scottish Government will be looking to re-establish their reputation for competence in domestic policy which represents an opportunity for business to offer solutions to pressing domestic policy concerns. There is a short window to make a big impact before the Scottish Government presses “play” on this currently paused legislation.

If you would like support communicating your views to the Scottish Government, get in touch with Jodie Gordon by calling 0131 550 3745 or emailing [email protected].