Path to a new Scots independence vote will be arduous

London

UK PRIME Minister Theresa May and her government, fighting a battle on many fronts over Britain's European Union (EU) exit, have been caught off guard by the sudden upsurge in support for a new referendum on Scottish independence.

Part of this is due to the British government's actions in overdoing the bid for a "hard Brexit", which would cut ties to the single market. This is anathema to the European-minded Scots - and has directly incited a campaign for a second plebiscite following the September 2014 independence vote that maintained Scotland's union in the UK.

When Mrs May became prime minister in July, she made initial efforts to forge links with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the independence-seeking Scottish National Party (SNP) and first minister in the devolved Scottish government. Mrs Ma…