Scottish National Party wins vote to set up independence clash

62 percent of Scots opposed Brexit, electing to remain in the European Union, even as Wales and England opted to leave the bloc. /AP

Scotland is headed for a protracted showdown with the U.K. government over the right to an independence referendum after the Scottish National Party (SNP) led by Nicola Sturgeon scored a decisive election victory.

According to BBC figures, the SNP secured 63 of the 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament, giving it a fourth term in power.

Sturgeon vowed to push for a second independence referendum by the end 0f 2023 if her party gets enough seats, saying she would offer Scotland "the choice of a better future"

Scotland held its last Independence referendum in 2014, but the result was 55% to 45% in favor of Scotland remaining in the three-centuries-old union with England and Wales.

Analysts now see the margin to be much tighter between the proponents and opponents of leaving the U.K.

According to report, 62 percent of Scots opposed Brexit, electing to remain in the European Union, even as Wales and England opted to leave the bloc.

Sturgeon argued that the Brexit vote changed circumstances and Scotland should not be dragged out of the E.U. against its will.

Current U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said earlier this month a second referendum on the issue in the current context would be "irresponsible and reckless".

(With input from agencies)