Nicola Sturgeon: people will decide if there will be second independence referendum

Nicola Sturgeon has said she cannot give Ed Miliband a guarantee that there will not be a second independence referendum during the lifetime of the next parliament because such a decision would be taken by the Scottish people.

The first minister said she was “not planning” for another vote on independence but she did not have the right to categorically rule one out.

Ms Sturgeon was appearing on BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show when she was questioned about a possible deal between Labour and the SNP after the general election.

She confirmed she would lead any post-election discussions with the Labour leader.

Asked if she could give Mr Miliband a guarantee of no referendum in return for a Westminster deal, Ms Sturgeon said: “I have made very clear that if you vote SNP in this election, that is not a vote for independence, nor is it a vote for another referendum.

“I’m not planning another referendum. Why do I fall short of categorically ruling it out? Because I don’t think as a single politician I have got a right to do that.

“Whether there is another referendum, and whether Scotland becomes independent is not a matter for me to decide. It is a matter for the Scottish people to decide.”