Brexit Vote Sparks Calls for Another Scottish Independence Referendum

Scotland's government began moves Friday to hold a new referendum on independence from the U.K. after the "Brexit" vote, saying it was forced out of the European Union against its will.

Scots voted by 62 percent to 38 percent to remain in the EU, according to Friday's results, in contrast to the overall U.K.-wide result of 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of quitting the bloc.

First Minister and Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon said officials would plan for a "highly likely" vote on separation from the rest of the U.K.

The issue raises concerns in Washington because Scotland, which is home to 58 U.S. Trident II D-5 missiles, wants to ban nuclear weapons in on moral grounds within four years of gaining independence. This would force London to relocate the weapons to alternative bases in England or return the weapons to the U.S. at a time of heightened regional security concerns.

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