SNP deputy leader says the ‘future of our planet’ depends on independence

THE SNP’S depute leader has suggested “the future of our planet” depends on Scottish independence.

Keith Brown said the world “loved what they saw” at the COP26 climate summit, when Nicola Sturgeon’s “exemplary leadership” gave them a preview of an independent Scotland.

He also said the campaign for independence was now “well under way”, despite the Covid pandemic.

He made the comments in the opening speech to the SNP’S annual national conference, which runs online until Monday. The Justice Secretary said: “To match our worldleading ambitions to combat global climate change we need a just transition to a cleaner environment.

“We need independence to invest in our bountiful renewable energy resources, which are the envy of Europe. The future of our planet depends on it – and it’s too important to be left to the Tories.”

Mr Brown said the SNP already had a “cast-iron mandate” for a second referendum, but asked activists to add to it with a “thumping triumph” in next May’s council elections.

Ms Sturgeon has said she wants Indyref2 by the end of 2023, Covid permitting, with independence to follow in 2026.

Amid complaints she is not doing enough to counter UK Government resistance, Mr Brown reassured SNP members. He said: “Friends, I can tell you this: that independence campaign is well underway. And I promise you, we will not let up until we win that referendum.

“Just two months ago, our First Minister made a hugely significant announcement... The Scottish Government is resuming its crucial work on an updated and detailed prospectus for independence. That new government work will be essential to help voters make their fully informed choice and we await the delivery of that new prospectus with eager anticipation.

“Meanwhile, our combined task is clear. We must bring to life our vision of a better, fairer, more sustainable Scotland.”

Tory MSP Liam Kerr said: “The SNP’S record of failing to meet its emissions targets three years running suggests independence is anything but the answer. The last thing Scotland’s renewable sector needs is the threat of division – what is needed is for the SNP to drop their grievance with the Union and start delivering on the environment.”

Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray said: “Scotland’s biggest hospital is in crisis, our NHS is on life support, we have just five years to stop a climate emergency and a new Covid variant could be set to jumpstart more global instability.

“At a time like this only a party as utterly blinkered by separation and obsessed with grievance as the SNP could boast a campaign to break up the the UK was in full swing.”

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “To boast that a fresh campaign to divide Scotland and break-up the UK is under way on the day warnings are issued about a new Covid variant is simply extraordinary.”