Scotland is planning the holding of a second independence referendum after the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in the referendum held on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference in Edinburgh on Friday, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon, said that it was “democratically unacceptable” Scotland to be taken out of the EU against its will.

Since the majority of Scottish voters (62 %) voted in favour of the UK to stay in the EU, the holding of a second independence referendum has become highly likely.

Sturgeon added that the Scottish Government will begin preparations for another referendum on the independence of country.

In its manifesto, SNP vowed to hold a second independence referendum in the event of major change to the UK's circumstances. This opportunity has now presented itself after the majority of the UK voted in favour of Brexit.

In September 2014, Scotland held its first referendum on independence from the UK, with 55.3 % of Scottish voters opting to stay in the UK.

Sturgeon called for Scotland to be fully involved in the renegotiation of the UK's relationship with the EU, The Independent informs.

In this respect, she has found common ground with the recently elected mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Similarly to Scotland and Northern Ireland, the voters in London voted firmly in favour of the UK remaining part of the EU.

Sturgeon will seek direct discussions with the institutions and the member states of the EU, including meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as early as possible.

After the majority of UK voters (51.9 %) opted for leaving the EU, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation on Friday.

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