Brexit will trigger second independence referendum, says Alex Salmond

Alex Salmond has suggested Scotland will hold a second independence referendum after the UK voted to leave the EU.

Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly stated that another vote on independence could be triggered if Scotland voted to stay in the EU but the overall result across the UK was for Brexit.

Across Scotland 62 per cent voted to Remain in the EU, but the UK as a whole voted Leave by 52 per cent.

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Appearing on Sky News, Salmond was asked if he now expects Sturgeon to push for a second referendum on Scottish independence, with the former First Minister replying "yes I do."

Salmond added: “The sensible thing for Scotland to do would never be to leave the European Union”.

Sturgeon will make a statement responding to the result this morning.

Salmond also appeared on ITV News. Referring to the SNP manifesto, which suggested the party would push for a second independence referendum if Scotland was taken out of the EU against a majority vote in the country, he said, "Well I'm quite certain Nicola Sturgeon will implement the manifesto.

Salmond said: "She won a huge victory only last month with 47% of the vote. In Scotland of course, importantly, saw every single local authority area - every single one, even the island communities who voted against the European Union in 1975 - has voted remain.

"We've got a united country in Scotland which wants to be part of the Europe, and in the manifesto it said if Scotland was dragged out of Europe against the will of the Scottish people, then the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another independence referendum.”