Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the process to instigate a second referendum on the independence of Scotland will commence next week.
The first referendum took place on September 18, 2014, with the question: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ The ‘No’ side won, with 2,001,926 (55.3%) voting against independence, and 1,617,989 (44.7%) voting in favour. The turnout of 84.6% was the highest recorded for an election or referendum in the United Kingdom since the introduction of universal suffrage.
Since then, ‘Yes’ voters have continued to campaign for a break away from the UK, and last year’s EU Referendum which was in favour of ‘Brexit’ has complicated things further. Many Scots do not want to leave the EU and feel that this major development should be a factor in Scottish people deciding their future – either as part of the UK or part of the EU.
Sturgeon has stated that a “choice must be offered between autumn next year, 2018, and spring of 2019”. The EU would need to clarify whether Scottish Independence would mean they simply remain within the EU, or seamlessly re-enter.
In construction news this week…
More than 600 businesses have registered interest in the first phase of Trumps $21bn Mexico wall project. The 600 businesses have formally registered interest since 24 February, when the Department of Homeland Security issued a presolicitation notice for contractors to perform the “design and build of several prototype wall structures” for the border.
Plans in for Manchester £1.3bn vertical village towers. Developer Allied London has submitted final detailed plans for a cluster of five towers in Manchester’s St John district.
Barnsley Council to fully fund town centre scheme. Barnsley Council has decided to fully fund its £120m retail-led scheme to transform the town centre.
In MECsafe news this week…
We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:
- UKATA Asbestos Awareness – 20th March 2017 (NOW AT REDUCED PRICE)
- SMSTS (Managers) – 20th March-18th April 2017 (day release)
- SSSTS Refresher – 24th March 2017 (book before yours expires to save time and money)
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.