The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Indyref2 in 2020
Nicola Sturgeon says referendum ‘must happen’ next year.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will push for a second referendum on Scottish independence to take place in 2020.
In her closing speech to SNP conference, Ms Sturgeon said legislation to bring about a second vote on whether Scotland separates from the UK and becomes an “independent European country” will be completed by the end of January, with a vote by the end of the year.
The Scottish Conservatives said their response would be an “unequivocal no” to another referendum while Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie pleaded for the SNP to focus on stopping Brexit.
The first minister said Scotland was faced with “two futures” – independence or a continuation of “strongman politics” in the shape of Boris Johnson and President Donald Trump.
During a speech peppered with standing ovations from party attendees, Ms Sturgeon said she was “utterly sick” of Westminster and Brexit and vowed SNP MPs would not vote in favour of Boris Johnson’s withdrawal arrangement.
Ms Sturgeon said: “The process by which we choose Scotland’s future must be capable of actually achieving independence.
“It must allow majority support to be expressed clearly and unambiguously. It must be legal. And it must have the recognition of the international community.
“Why? Because our job is not just to deliver a referendum. Our job is to deliver independence.
“My call is that the referendum must happen next year.
“By the new year, we will have completed our legislative preparations.
“We are already working to update the independence prospectus.
“I can confirm before the end of this year, I will demand the transfer of power that puts the legality of a referendum beyond any doubt.
“The question should be demanded of the Westminster parties – what gives you any right to deny people in Scotland
“My call is that the referendum must happen next year. NICOLA STURGEON
our ability to choose our own future?”
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw said: “Both the NHS and Scotland’s education system are in a dreadful state – a state that has significantly worsened over the 12 years the SNP has been in power.
“You’d think the first minister would make some kind of effort to explain that, to apologise, or at least set out how she planned to turn things around.
“When she does demand the powers to hold a second unwanted and divisive referendum, the answer should be an unequivocal no.”
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “As it presses ahead with a new blueprint and a formal Section 30 request, the SNP must now be open and honest with voters about the reality of Scexit.
“The best future for our country is to remain in the UK, protecting public services for the most vulnerable, avoiding a hard border and keeping the pound, and growing our economy.”