Scotland ‘on cusp of history’ with independence ‘in clear sight’, Sturgeon to declare
Urges party faithful to ‘reach out to all of Scotland like never before’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nicola Sturgeon will declare Scotland a "nation on the cusp of making history" with independence in "clear sight" after several opinion polls suggested most Scots now want to break away from the rest of the UK.
Scotland's first minister will open her party’s annual conference by saying she has "never been so certain" independence will be achieved.
The Scottish National Party won 48 of 59 seats in Scotland in last December's general election.
More recently, a number of polls have also suggested a majority of Scots are in favour of separation.
But the SNP faces a major electoral test in the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
A clear victory would be a mandate for another independence referendum, the SNP argues.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly ruled out another vote.
Senior Conservatives point to the 2014 referendum, designed to settle the question for a generation.
But many senior SNP figures argue that the UK Scots voted to remain a part of no longer exists, particularly after the 2016 Brexit decision.
On Thursday, Ms Sturgeon said a new referendum could be held "in the earlier part" of the next session of the Scottish Parliament.
She will tell her conference, taking place online because of coronavirus: "Scotland is now a nation on the cusp of making history.
"Independence is in clear sight — and with unity of purpose, humility and hard work I have never been so certain that we will deliver it.
"The people of Scotland have the right to choose their future. Let's now focus all our efforts on making sure we bring about that better country they and future generations deserve."
The SNP leader will say support for independence among Scots has now "risen to become the sustained and majority view in public opinion".
She will tell delegates: “While our primary focus must remain on eliminating Covid-19 from our shores, for which we have renewed hope, Scotland must be ready for what comes next.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments