Alex Salmond explains how a second Scottish independence referendum will happen

He once said that the independence referendum was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity but Alex Salmond has brushed aside any illusions that the SNP are not desperately hoping, and planning, for a second vote. On the Andrew Marr Show, Salmond said that another referendum is ‘inevitable’ and the only question is of timing — something he said is ‘very much in the hands of Nicola Sturgeon’.

Salmond went on to explain three criteria that could be used to show ‘material change in circumstances’ for Scotland and thus trigger another referendum:

‘I can see three issues which are moving things towards a second referendum on a timescale yet to be determined. One is the refusal to deliver The Vow. The Vow was about home rule, devo to the max, near-federalism, to quote Gordon Brown. That has not been delivered – as yet, at least – in the Scotland Bill so that’s an issue.

‘The second issue is the one that’s been cast up quite a lot, and that’s the European issue.