This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/snp-to-launch-a-new-drive-for-independence-says-nicola-sturgeon-a6927621.html
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| SNP to launch a new drive for independence, says Nicola Sturgeon | SNP to launch a new drive for independence, says Nicola Sturgeon |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The Scottish National Party is to launch a new drive to build support for independence, Nicola Sturgeon has announced. | |
| Speaking at the SNP's spring conference in Glasgow the Scottish First Minister revealed a new campaign will get under way this summer in a bid to boost support for leaving the UK – which she referred to as a “beautiful dream”. | |
| She did, however, warn that a second Scottish referendum after the one the party lost in 2014 – by 55 to 45 per cent against independence – would not take place quickly. | |
| Ms Sturgeon, addressing an audience of 3,000 in Glasgow, said: "We will achieve independence only when we persuade a majority of our fellow citizens that it is the best future for our country. | |
| "Making and winning that case is our challenge and our opportunity. | |
| "That is why I can tell you today that this summer the SNP will embark on a new initiative to build support for independence." | |
| The SNP leader told activists one of her heroes, former US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, had said that "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams". | |
| Ms Sturgeon added: "Our dream is for Scotland to become independent. To be in the driving seat of our own destiny, to shape our own future. And on the basis of equality with our family across the British Isles and our friends across the globe, to play our part in building a better world.” | |
| "That is a beautiful dream. And we believe in it." | |
| David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has previously rejected suggestions that the Scottish nationalists should be entitled to hold a second independence referendum during this parliament. Referring to the 2014 referendum, he said: “I think it is important that a referendum is legal and properly constituted and that is what we had, and it was decisive, so I do not see the need for another one.” | |
| Before the drive for a second referendum can begin, the party faces Holyrood elections in May, with Ms Sturgeon putting herself to the country. “To be given a clear mandate to lead this nation for the next five years will be a precious opportunity,” she added. | |
| "If you give me that opportunity I promise I will seize it with both hands." | |
| Additional reporting by Press Association |