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Nicola Sturgeon: Independence within 'touching distance' | Nicola Sturgeon: Independence within 'touching distance' |
(about 13 hours later) | |
Nicola Sturgeon has claimed independence is "within touching distance" ahead of a speech to supporters at a major rally in Glasgow. | Nicola Sturgeon has claimed independence is "within touching distance" ahead of a speech to supporters at a major rally in Glasgow. |
She will ask for powers to hold another a referendum on Scotland's future in the UK shortly after next month's general election. | She will ask for powers to hold another a referendum on Scotland's future in the UK shortly after next month's general election. |
However Jeremy Corbyn said a new Scottish independence poll was not "desirable or necessary". | However Jeremy Corbyn said a new Scottish independence poll was not "desirable or necessary". |
The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats also oppose a further vote. | The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats also oppose a further vote. |
Ms Sturgeon is one of a number of SNP politicians and independence campaigners speaking at the #indyref2020 rally in George Square. | |
It will be the first time she has spoken at an independence rally since 2014. | It will be the first time she has spoken at an independence rally since 2014. |
The event prompted a counter demonstration by dozens of unionist supporters who waved flags and blew whistles as supporters of Scottish independence gathered. | |
Ministers urged to agree indyref2 question test | |
Speaking ahead of the event organised by The National newspaper, the SNP leader focused on the UK-wide election on 12 December. | Speaking ahead of the event organised by The National newspaper, the SNP leader focused on the UK-wide election on 12 December. |
"This election really is the most important one Scotland has faced in modern times," she said. | "This election really is the most important one Scotland has faced in modern times," she said. |
"So much is on the line - people are completely fed up with the mess at Westminster. | "So much is on the line - people are completely fed up with the mess at Westminster. |
"But George Square will be packed as people from all backgrounds join together to demand a better future for Scotland." | "But George Square will be packed as people from all backgrounds join together to demand a better future for Scotland." |
Ms Sturgeon added that independence "really is within touching distance". | Ms Sturgeon added that independence "really is within touching distance". |
She had faced criticism by some activists for not attending events such as the All Under One Banner march in Edinburgh last month. | She had faced criticism by some activists for not attending events such as the All Under One Banner march in Edinburgh last month. |
However, the first minister did tweet ahead of that march to say she was not able to attend, but would be there "in spirit". | However, the first minister did tweet ahead of that march to say she was not able to attend, but would be there "in spirit". |
On Friday the first minister confirmed that she would send a letter "before Christmas" to whoever is in 10 Downing Street, requesting the Scottish Parliament is granted powers to hold another independence referendum. | On Friday the first minister confirmed that she would send a letter "before Christmas" to whoever is in 10 Downing Street, requesting the Scottish Parliament is granted powers to hold another independence referendum. |
She has made clear that she wants to hold a poll on the issue next year. | She has made clear that she wants to hold a poll on the issue next year. |
Asked whether she believed Labour would grant the Section 30 order, Ms Sturgeon answered: "Yes". | Asked whether she believed Labour would grant the Section 30 order, Ms Sturgeon answered: "Yes". |
"If people in Scotland demonstrate the desire - as I believe they will in this election - for an independence referendum, then I don't believe Westminster opposition to the principle or to the timetable to that will prove sustainable," she said. | "If people in Scotland demonstrate the desire - as I believe they will in this election - for an independence referendum, then I don't believe Westminster opposition to the principle or to the timetable to that will prove sustainable," she said. |
In response, Jeremy Corbyn said: "Labour does not support independence for Scotland and we do not think another independence referendum is either desirable or necessary." | In response, Jeremy Corbyn said: "Labour does not support independence for Scotland and we do not think another independence referendum is either desirable or necessary." |
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw accused Ms Sturgeon of "not listening". | Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw accused Ms Sturgeon of "not listening". |
He added: "She is obsessed with independence and we must send her a message at this general election. People have had enough of the division and we just want to move on." | He added: "She is obsessed with independence and we must send her a message at this general election. People have had enough of the division and we just want to move on." |
Liberal Democrat general election campaign chairman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "We are clear on Brexit and clear against the division of independence." | Liberal Democrat general election campaign chairman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "We are clear on Brexit and clear against the division of independence." |
Others to address the Glasgow rally include Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie. | Others to address the Glasgow rally include Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie. |
"The cause of Scottish independence must be broad and inclusive. Our diversity is our strength," he said. | "The cause of Scottish independence must be broad and inclusive. Our diversity is our strength," he said. |
"Those people who are still to decide need to be offered a positive, hopeful vision about how we can live in a fair, equal, sustainable country, and why independence will help." | "Those people who are still to decide need to be offered a positive, hopeful vision about how we can live in a fair, equal, sustainable country, and why independence will help." |