After Brexit, Scotland is considering a second independence vote

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon — (Image credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Now that Britain has voted to exit the European Union, Scottish leaders are forecasting a renewed push for independence in their own country. Although Scottish voters opted to remain in the United Kingdom with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in a September 2014 vote, leaders contend that the Brexit might inspire a second referendum — possibly "in the immediate future," The Washington Post reports.

Scotland, unlike Britain, opted to remain in the EU in Thursday's vote, with "every area in the country voting in favor," The Post reports. Further drawing a line between the two countries, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already vowed to take "all possible steps" to ensure Scotland's place in the EU, and deemed Britain's decision a "mistake." "Decisions have consequences," Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s external affairs minister, said Friday of Britain's decision. "If the United Kingdom has made a decision against the interests of the Scottish people that will have consequences."