Labour justice minister says Brexit talks should not trigger another Scottish independence vote

During an interview, Justice Secretary Alex Norris rejected the idea that revisiting the UK’s EU membership would automatically reopen the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s speech on EU re-entry as distinct from the constitutional question of the Union, stressing that the two topics should be treated separately. Norris added that a new EU referendum is not imminent.

He also referenced Andy Burnham’s call for a clearer EU strategy, saying the government will outline options later in the year. Former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon praised the renewed Brexit discussion but warned that Labour’s position creates a perceived inconsistency between Brexit and independence debates.