One day before Britain kick-starts Brexit proceedings, the Scottish parliament is likely to dismiss Prime Minister Theresa Mays overtures and back calls for a fresh independence referendum.

Lawmakers in Edinburgh are due to vote on Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeons bid for a new referendum, despite the prime ministers last-minute appeals.

The Scottish vote had been scheduled for last Wednesday but was postponed after the terror attack near the British parliament in London, the same day.

The Brexit vote last year has spurred the independence campaign of Sturgeon, head of the ruling Scottish National Party, who argues that Scotland is being forced out of the European bloc against its will.

Both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, but they were outnumbered by voters in England and Wales who backed Brexit. -- Agencies