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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Laura Ferguson

Nicola Sturgeon's independence referendum vision for Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has published her vision for what an independent Scotland will look like.

The First Minister held a press conference in Edinburgh where she revealed the paper that detailed plans if Scotland chooses to leave the United Kingdom.

She said: "Scotland, like countries across the world, faces significant challenges.

"But we also have huge advantages and immense potential. The refreshed case for independence is about how we equip ourselves to navigate the challenges and fulfil that potential, now and in future."

Ms Sturgeon admitted that independence "does not guarantee success" for Scotland but argued that decision will then "rest with the people who live here".

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She said: "Independence in itself does not guarantee success for any country. For Scotland, the aspiration of a wealthier, fairer and more successful country will depend on democratic decisions made post-independence and the good stewardship of governments elected.

"But the point is this, in an independent Scotland, crucial decision-making power will rest with the people who live here – not with Westminster governments that do not command the support of people in Scotland, and which pursue policies, for example, Brexit, that are deeply damaging to Scotland's interests."

She also claimed there is an "indisputable" mandate for a second referendum.

Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to permit such a ballot but Ms Sturgeon blasted him, saying he had no "democratic or moral authority".

The First Minister said she had made clear to the Prime Minister today that she is "ready to discuss the terms of such an order at any time".

But she stated his previous refusals to grant such an order meant she must consider if a referendum could be held by other means.

She continued: "My duty, as the democratically elected First Minister, is to the people of Scotland, it is not to Boris Johnson or to any Tory Prime Minister. This is a UK Government that has no respect for democracy.

"That means if we are to uphold democracy here in Scotland we must forge a way forward, if necessary, without a section 30 order."

Downing Street has responded to the announcement, once again rejecting plans for a referendum.

In a daily lobby briefing, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The UK Government’s position is that now is not the time to be talking about another referendum.

“We are confident that the people of Scotland want and expect their governments to be working together to focus on issues like the global cost-of-living challenges, like war in Europe and the issues that matter to their families and their communities.”

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