The First Minister is expected to announce a referendum bill and a citizen’s assembly on independence. 

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to introduce a framework bill for holding a referendum within the Scottish Parliament’s current powers.

The aim is to pass the half-way house legislation by the end of the year.

READ MORE: All Under One Banner pro-Scottish independence march refuse to change start time despite orders from council 

However the law would not allow Holyrood to hold a referendum on independence under but it would still require a transfer of power from Westminster under a so-called Section 30 order.

Theresa May has already said she will not grant a Section 30, but the bill could nevertheless be introduced at Holyrood as a contingency measure and as a political symbol.

This article originally appeared on The Herald 

More to follow.