Her party will lead the Scottish government for a fourth term but without the outright majority that would have strengthened its case for a referendum.
The scene is now set for a fierce confrontation with No 10.
Ms Sturgeon insisted Scotland must have the right to “decide our future when the Covid crisis has passed”.
A referendum was part of the manifesto of both the SNP and Greens, and although the SNP failed to win a majority outright, its 64 MSPs – up one on 2016 – will be supported by eight Greens.
Overall, the SNP won 64 seats, the Conservatives 31, Labour 22, the Scottish Greens eight and Liberal Democrats four.
This story is from the May 09, 2021 edition of Sunday Express.
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This story is from the May 09, 2021 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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