Nicola Sturgeon has challenged the UK Authorities to start talks over how Scotland can safe one other referendum on independence following this week's Supreme Court docket ruling.
The First Minister stated it remained "open" to Westminster to "respect democracy" and attain an settlement with the Scottish Authorities on the way in which ahead.
Talking at Holyrood right this moment, the SNP chief instructed MSPs the judges' verdict disproved any notion of the UK being a "voluntary partnership of countries".
And she or he accused Unionist politicians of wanting "to silence Scotland's voice as a result of they're frightened of what Scotland would possibly say".
It comes after the Supreme Court docket dominated on Wednesday that the Scottish Parliament doesn't have the ability to name a referendum on independence with out the prior approval of Westminster.
The choice put an finish to Sturgeon's plan to name an IndyRef2 subsequent 12 months and raises questions on how the constitutional row between Holyrood and Westminster will be resolved.
The First Minister stated: "Whereas after all upset by it, I respect and settle for the Supreme Court docket's judgement on the Lord Advocate's reference, concerning the Scottish Authorities's powers to legislate for an independence referendum.
"Nevertheless, the denial of democracy by Westminster events demonstrates now past any doubt that the notion of the UK as a voluntary partnership of countries isn't, if it ever was, a actuality.
"It stays open, after all, to the UK Authorities to respect democracy and to succeed in an settlement with the Scottish Authorities for a lawful, constitutional, democratic referendum.
"Nevertheless, no matter makes an attempt by Westminster to dam democracy, I'll at all times work to make sure that Scotland's voice is heard - and that the way forward for Scotland is at all times in Scotland's palms."
SNP MSP Stephanie Callaghan requested the First Minister why the UK Authorities was "persevering with to draw back" from opening talks with Holyrood over a referendum.
Sturgeon replied: "Unionist Westminster politicians need to silence Scotland's voice as a result of they're frightened of what Scotland would possibly say - it is fairly easy.
"Any politician who was assured of their case - and assured of having the ability to persuade others of their case - wouldn't be attempting to dam democracy, they might be embracing democracy.
"So I feel we all know every little thing we have to know concerning the views of Westminster Unionist events by their willpower to dam Scotland's democracy, however it is not going to prevail.
"I feel Unionist politicians with the ability of impartial pondering most likely perceive that yesterday's judgement raises profoundly questions concerning the foundation and the way forward for the UK.
"Any partnership through which one associate wants the consent of one other to decide on its personal future isn't voluntary - it isn't even a partnership."
The File has requested the UK Authorities for remark.
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