Independence the opposite of Brexit, insists Sturgeon
NICOLA STURGEON said independence for Scotland is the opposite of Brexit.
In her speech to the SNP Conference in Glasgow, the First Minister again did not put any date or firm timetable on plans for a second referendum.
Instead she said again the SNP was waiting for the “fog of Brexit to clear”.
She appealed to the SNP members and supporters to make the case for “positive, progressive, inclusive change”.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Our task now is to step up our work to update and strengthen the case.”
She said that the people of Scotland, not Westminster will decide.
The First Minister said it was the democratic right of others in Labour and the Tories to oppose independence. She added: “But you cannot, and you will not, deny Scotland’s right to choose.”
Ms Sturgeon said SNP MPs at Westminster will support any proposals for a second EU referendum should it come forward. However, she added: “But let’s not kid ourselves. There is no guarantee that another vote won’t deliver the same outcome. Scotland choosing to remain but still facing exit against our will.”
She said the SNP goal of independence was the “very opposite” of Brexit.
“Brexit”, she said, “Is about turning inwards, pulling up the drawbridge, retreating from the world.
“Independence is about being open, outward looking, aspiring to play our full part in the world around us.”
She said more people think the Scottish economy will be better off with independence.
The First Minister added: “It is our job to build on that growing sense of confidence. So that when the time comes, and it will, the choice facing the Scottish people will be this. The ever tightening grip of Westminster Control or a hopeful outward looking independent country.”
Ms Sturgeon made some policy announcements in her leader’s speech.
She revealed a plan to increase the student nurse bursary from £6500 a year to £8100 a year, the equivalent of the Living Wage.
The following year it will be increased to £10,000 a year.
Ms Sturgeon said: “We know the value of our nurses. We know the value of our NHS.”
She said funding for Housing First to tackle homelessness will increase to £6,5m to allow an extra 6000 people to be taken out of homelessness from the current figure of 200 through Housing First.