Scotland's leader seeks new independence referendum

FILE - In this Monday, May 23, 2016 file photo, Scottish First Minster Nicola Sturgeon talks to journalists after meeting in London. Scotland's leader Nicola Sturgeon will seek authority to hold a new independence referendum in the next two years because Britain is dragging Scotland out of the European Union against its will, she said Monday March 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 file photo, Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, delivers a keynote address on the benefits of EU membership for work and living standards at an event hosted by the Resolution Foundation at St John's in London. Scotland's leader Nicola Sturgeon will seek authority to hold a new independence referendum in the next two years because Britain is dragging Scotland out of the European Union against its will, she said Monday March 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) (The Associated Press)

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Scotland's leader has said she will seek authority for a new independence referendum.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Monday she will move quickly to give Scottish voters a chance to make Scotland an independent country.

Sturgeon said British Prime Minister Theresa May has so far refused to compromise with Scotland over Brexit.

She said it is important for Scotland to take active steps to protect its interests as Britain prepared to trigger its departure from the European Union.

Scottish voters rejected independence in a 2014 referendum, but Sturgeon said that the U.K.'s decision to leave the EU had brought about a "material change or circumstances."