Debates had been suspended in Scotland's parliament following last week's terrorist attack in London.
But as it resumed, Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon revisited a subject that threatens to further complicate Britain's plans to leave the European Union.
"Scotland's future should be in Scotland's hands. That's what this debate is about, the future of our country. How we best harness our potential as a country and overcome the challenges we face."
In 2014, Scotland held a referendum to decide whether it should leave the United Kingdom and become an independent country.
55 per cent voted no but Ms Sturgeon argues that circumstances have changed due to last year's ballot on whether Britain should leave the European Union.
England and Wales voted to leave but Scotland and Northern Ireland wanted to remain in the bloc.
Now Scotland's parliament would decide whether another independence referendum should be held in late 2018 or early 2019, prompting an angry response from opposition leader Ruth Davidson.
"We are sick of it, and most people in Scotland have had enough too, because this parliament needs to and must focus on the priorities of the people of this country and it is not the time to be sidetracked by yet more unnecessary division. So I won't take any lessons from the first minister, because precisely nothing changed yesterday. I think I answered the first minister's question."
But, with the backing of the Greens, the ruling Scottish National Party prevailed, prompting celebrations among independence supporters gathered outside parliament.
Nicola Sturgeon now has the power to formally request an independence vote from British Prime Minister Theresa May.
But Ms May has repeatedly said her government would block a referendum until after the Brexit proceedings have been completed.
Ms Sturgeon says she remains hopeful Ms May will reconsider.
"I hope the United Kingdom government will respect the view of parliament. This is simply about giving people in Scotland a choice. We agree that now is not the right time for that choice but that choice should be available to people in Scotland when the terms of Brexit are clear, so I look forward to discussions in the weeks ahead."
But Ms May's Scottish Secretary, David Mundell, says her position remains unchanged.
"The Prime Minister has made her position very clear, now is not the time for another referendum. Nothing's been said in the Scottish parliament that takes away from the fact that a referendum during the Brexit process would be unfair on the people of Scotland."
The vote comes as Ms May prepares to formally launch Britain's two-year process of exiting the EU by triggering Article 50 of the bloc's key treaty.
Speaking at a business and investment forum, Ms May reiterrated her plans to strengthen Britain's economy with the help of more international partners - including a new $8 billion investment deal with Qatar.
"Tomorrow we begin the negotiations to secure a deep and special partnership with the European Union. As we do so, I am determined that we should also seize this historic opportunity to get out into the world."
But denying Scotland a vote for so long could stir up even more support for Scottish independence.
In the city of Dundee, the feeling among many is that Scotland would be given room to grow if it becomes independent.
"I'm still very pragmatic and very cautious about the economics of it, but morally I'm very much now pro."
"I was no before, but I'm yes this time because we hope there would be more powers given to them because we were promised more powers."
Not everyone is on board.
"People at the moment are happy with their lives, I think. I'm happy with mine, so why change something that you're happy with?"
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