A SECOND independence referendum will be "unstoppable," Nicola Sturgeon will warn today, if Scotland is forced to leave the EU despite a majority voting to remain part of the bloc.
In her strongest comments yet on the possible impact in Scotland of the planned in/out EU vote, the First Minister will predict a powerful "groundswell of anger among ordinary people" if Scots vote Yes to continued membership but the UK as a whole votes No.
Speaking in Brussels, Ms Sturgeon will also accuse David Cameron of failing to promote the advantages of EU membership.
She will say the Prime Minister might win the referendum but fail to resolve the issue of Britain's role within the EU, a question which has dogged the Conservative Party for years and often strained relations between the UK and its European partner states.
Alex Salmond, the SNP's foreign affairs spokesman, yesterday promised a "distinctly strong Scottish voice" in the EU referendum debate.
Ms Sturgeon has already indicated the SNP will not campaign for a Yes vote alongside the Conservatives but Mr Salmond went further, arguing: "There will be nothing more guaranteed to assist an anti-EU vote in the referendum than the sight of George Osborne and his Treasury establishment flunkies parading around, as they did so shamefully during last year's Scottish referendum."
Ms Sturgeon will make her first speech in Brussels since becoming First Minister when she addresses the European Policy Centre.
The Scottish Government has billed the speech as a major contribution to the debate over the UK's place in the 28-state European Union, which will lead to a referendum by the end of 2017 after Mr Cameron's has attempted to negotiate reforms in a range of areas.
Repeating her call for a "double majority" - which would prevent Britain leaving the EU unless there are separate majorities in favour in all four UK nations - she will warn of a "backlash" if Scotland is out against the wishes of most people.
She will add: "Quite what the result of that would be, one-one knows.
"But I have stated before that this could be one scenario producing the kind of change in material circumstances which would precipitate popular demand for a second independence referendum.
"Bluntly, I believe the groundswell of anger among ordinary people in Scotland in these circumstances could produce a clamour for another independence referendum which may well be unstoppable.
"Of course, it is open to the UK Government to stop that happening by agreeing to the double majority."
Ms Sturgeon will highlight the Scottish Government's battle to impose a minimum price for alcohol, currently before the European courts, as she makes the case for EU reform including more local decision making.
But in a warning to Mr Cameron, she will tell the audience of academics and officials the UK must "give people something to vote for" in the referendum.
She will say: "Some UK Government rhetoric creates the impression that EU membership isn't beneficial at present - it will only become beneficial if we achieve big enough reforms.
"That approach makes it harder to articulate the benefits we gain from membership.
"There's a danger the UK will focus the debate on the size of the reforms achieved, rather than the bigger picture of the value and importance of the EU.
"Instead of just arguing against the risks of change, the UK Government should promote the EU's achievements.
"If it fails to do that, then even if it wins the vote, it may not resolve the issue."
Scots Tory MSP Annabel Goldie said: "Nicola Sturgeon's speech only serves to highlight the contradictions in the SNP's policies in relation to the UK and the EU.
"Whatever the cost, she wants to end our union with the United Kingdom.
"Yet, whatever the cost, it appears she wants to keep our union with the European Union.
"If that isn't illogical enough, the SNP is also still of the view that, in its parallel universe, an independent Scotland would keep the British pound and reject the Euro."
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