The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford has said that the party welcomes the opportunity of an election which will allow Scotland to “determine its own future”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: “We on these benches are simply not prepared to sit back and allow Scotland to be taken out of the European Union against its will.

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“So on that basis, Mr Speaker, I welcome the opportunity of an election, because make no mistake, the election that’s coming is going to be the right of Scotland to determine its own future.” 

Mr Blackford said the SNP wants the election age reduced to 16 for all elections and for the franchise to be extended to EU nationals living in the UK.

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He said: “I expect the Government today to look positively on any amendments that come forward for EU nationals – there is nothing for the Government to fear by extending the franchise.”

He said EU nationals are already on the electoral register as they are allowed to vote in local elections.