Nicola Sturgeon laid out her plans to hold a second independence referendum on Scotland's future earlier this week.
The First Minister said she wants to carry out a vote on October 19, 2023, however there will be a number of obstacles for the SNP leader to get through before a referendum can be held.
The UK Government is refusing to grant consent for such a ballot to be held.
READ MORE: Latest IndyRef2 poll shows 'No' still in lead after Nicola Sturgeon referendum announcement
Sturgeon is asking UK Supreme Court judges in London to rule if Holyrood can hold a referendum without the backing of Boris Johnson.
If the Supreme Court rules against Sturgeon then she said she would fight the next general election on one issue: independence.
She told MSPs: "My determination is to secure a process that allows the people of Scotland - whether yes, no, or yet to be decided - to express their views in a legal, constitutional referendum, so that the majority view can be established fairly and democratically."
She added: "If it does transpire that there is no lawful way for this parliament to give the people of Scotland the choice of independence in a referendum, and if the UK government continues to deny a Section 30 order, my party will fight the UK general election on this single question: should Scotland be an independent country?"
So, here's all you need to know about what could happen with the Supreme Court:
Will the Supreme Court decide if there is a referendum?
Yes and no. Boris Johnson has declined to lend the powers the Scottish Government needs to hold a legally-binding referendum.
If he persists, then the court will decide if Nicola Sturgeon has the powers to hold a consultative ballot instead.
What happens if the court says no?
Nicola Sturgeon says she will campaign at the next general election on the single issue of indy. She claims it will be used as a de facto referendum.
If the court says yes?
The Scottish Government will pass its Referendum Bill at Holyrood and look to hold a vote on October 19, 2023.
When is the court decision due?
Papers were served by the Lord Advocate on Tuesday while Sturgeon addressed the Scottish Parliament.
It has been reported the case won’t be heard until September with a decision expected in December.
When is the next general election to be held?
No date has been set but it is scheduled to be held no later than January 24, 2025.
What did Sturgeon say about the election?
She was asked what a de facto general election on independence meant.
Sturgeon answered: “Scotland can only become independent if a majority of people vote for that proposition.”
What about John Swinney?
The Deputy First Minister was asked the same question and said the election was about the majority of seats.
This was the first split in the indy campaign with Sturgeon saying it was about the majority of
votes.
Is the SNP split?
John Swinney quickly clarified his position and said he agreed with Sturgeon.
But the confusion caused by his initial answer was seized on by opposition parties.
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