Westminster leader Ian Blackford praised the SNP’s triumph in local elections.

He indicated a referendum on Scottish independence may be conducted before the end of 2023.

“The people of Scotland expect the SNP to deliver an independence referendum,” Mr. Blackford told.

It is a democracy when people have the freedom to choose.

“Boris Johnson and anybody else that happens to be prime minister cannot deny democracy.”

“They’ve got to accept that it’s the right of the people of Scotland whether or not they wish our country to be an independent one.”

The politician said that the referendum would take place in the first half of Scottish parliament.