{O/C} Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that without the British government's approval, Scotland cannot hold another independence vote.
While vowing respect for the decision, the Scottish First Minister assured the fight for independence will continue.
{Take SOT}
{Soundbite}
ROBERT REED, British Supreme Court President:
The Scottish Parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on Scottish independence.
{VO}
The unanimous verdict from Britain's Supreme Court obstructs another Scottish independence referendum unless with permission from the British government.
The somewhat autonomous Scottish government had planned to hold another independence referendum in October 2023.
This, after the 2014 referendum dealt a setback with voters opposing independence -- 55 to 45 percent.
Rallies engulfed Scotland today, attended by thousands standing up for Scottish independence and democracy.
Demonstrators were quick to bash the decision.
{Soundbite}
Demonstrator:
Well, enough is enough, and it's our right to decide.
{VO}
Also on the opposing corner, Scotland's First Minister insisted she would make the UK general election a lawful vote on independence.
Nicola Sturgeon said every vote for her Scottish National Party would be a vote for independence.
{Soundbite}
NICOLA STURGEON, Scottish First Minister:
We must and we will find another democratic, lawful and constitutional means by which the Scottish people can express their will.
In my view, that can only be an election.
{VO}
If Sturgeon nabs more than 50 percent of the vote in the next general election, she plans to treat it as a mandate to pressure the UK government to negotiate for Scottish independence.
Otherwise she'll step down.
{Soundbite}
Democracy is a risk if you want to look at it like that because it depends on persuading people of the point of view you are putting forward.
{VO}
While Sturgeon said she respects the court's decision, she aggressively asserted the Scottish people will never be silenced.
A message expressed right as the leader of SNP accused the Prime Minister of marring the "voluntary union of nations."
{Soundbite}
IAN BLACKFORD, SNP Westminster Leader:
Will he (Prime Minister Rishi Sunak) at least be honest and confirm that the very idea that the United Kingdom is a voluntary union of nations is now dead and buried?
{VO}
In response, the Prime Minister called on lawmakers to work together to crush hurdles.
{Soundbite}
RISHI SUNAK, British Prime Minister:
We respect the clear and definitive ruling of the the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
And I think the People of Scotland want us to be working on fixing the major challenges that we collectively face.
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