Nicola Sturgeon will today claim that independence is not about “turning our back” on the rest of the UK. The First Minister will say in her SNP conference speech that an independent Scotland will be the “closest of friends” with England, Wales and Ireland.
Sturgeon’s keynote address comes on the day before the Supreme Court considers whether Holyrood can unilaterally organise a referendum. Her preference is for a vote to take place next October, although legal observers are doubtful the Scottish Government will persuade the judges.
In a pitch to unpersuaded voters, Sturgeon is expected to say: “I know some see independence as turning our back on the rest of the UK. It is not - it is about recasting our relationship as one of equals. There is a point here that at first glance might seem curious - but it is in my view, becoming increasingly true.
“Independence is actually the best way to protect the partnership on which the United Kingdom was founded - a voluntary partnership of nations. Right now, an aggressive unionism is undermining that partnership.”
She will add: “Scottish independence can reset and renew the whole notion of nations working together for the common good. England, Scotland, Wales, the island of Ireland. We will always be the closest of friends. We will always be family. But we can achieve a better relationship - a true partnership of equals – when we win Scotland’s independence.”
The First Minister will also provide more details on the new economic paper on independence that will come out this week. She will say: “In the economic prospectus we will set out how in an independent Scotland we can secure fair work. We will repeal Westminster’s anti trade union legislation.
“We will end age discrimination for those on the minimum wage. Young workers should be valued the same as everyone else – and with independence we can ensure their pay packets reflect that.”
Sturgeon earlier claimed that plans are “ready to go” to legislate for a referendum if the Government receives the go-ahead from the Supreme Court.
Speaking to the BBC, she said: “There’s little point speculating on the outcome of a court hearing, but should that be yes, we have the plans ready to go to legislate. Work on refreshing and updating the substantive case for independence is well under way – that will continue over the course of the next days.”
She also said any attempt to boycott a future referendum would show the UK Government does not believe it can win the case for the union. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has suggested his party could boycott the referendum.
The First Minister said: “If the Supreme Court paves the way for a lawful referendum next year, I think the vast majority of the people of Scotland would take part in that. The UK Government might decide to say they don’t want them to take part in that, but I don’t think that is going to prevail.
“If you’re confident in your arguments in politics, if you’re confident in the case that you’re making, then you don’t fear democracy, you actually relish the opportunity to put your case before the people and let the people decide.”
Sturgeon was also criticised after saying “I detest the Tories” in a morning interview. She clarified the remarks by saying she was referring to Tory policies and not Conservative voters.
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