Sturgeon: there can be no shortcuts to independence

In a clear message to some of her party's members and other Yes supporters, she said: "Independence won't happen just because its supporters become more impatient for change. An even more committed, enthusiastic and impatient 45 per cent is still just 45 per cent.

"If Scotland is to become independent, we must build the support for independence. Just as in the referendum campaign, it grew from 30 per cent to 45 per cent, we must in the years ahead take it from 45 per cent to a clear majority.

"That means we must persuade the people we failed to persuade last year. That means understanding why they voted No. And it means addressing those concerns, patiently, carefully and comprehensively. That is our challenge."

The First Minister's speech ended around an hour and a half before hundreds of pro-independence supporters marched on Holyrood to demand 'independence now.' Ms Sturgeon reiterated that the SNP's manifesto for next May's Holyrood elections would set out the circumstances in which she may call a second referendum, should her party achieve its goal of winning another majority.

Alex Salmond

However, it she said the any decision would be taken "carefully" and that it would not be determined by the interests of the SNP, but by the interests of the people of Scotland as a whole.

She added: "We respect last year's result. It would be wrong to propose another referendum without a fundamental change of circumstances or a strong indication that a significant number of those who voted No last year had changed their minds.

"But it would also be wrong - in the face of a clear and material shift in circumstances or public opinion - for any one politician or party to rule out another referendum.

"Because the key principle is democracy. Politicians can propose and campaign. But only the people can decide. Only the people can decide if we will have another referendum.

"Only the people can decide when that will be. And only the people can decide if Scotland will become independent. And for those of us who want Scotland to be independent, that is our challenge."

The First Minister said that she was "firing the starting gun" on next year's Holyrood elections, announcing that John Swinney would be her party's campaign director, with MP Mhairi Black given responsibility for winning support among 16 and 17-year-olds.

In a speech to around 120 of her MPs, MSPs and MEPs, she revealed that since last year's vote, SNP membership had risen from 25,642 to 112,208.

Reflecting on the referendum, she said: "The referendum campaign was, without doubt, the most exciting and exhilarating of our political lives. It energised and enthused, educated and empowered. It invited us - individually and collectively - to imagine the kind of country we wanted to live in.
"As we woke up the morning after the referendum the country, inevitably, was divided between those of us who were utterly devastated and those who breathed a sigh of relief.

"But there was a new and powerful mood in the air that morning - a mood that transcended the divisions of the campaign, to unite Yes and No voters in a common determination that our voice as a country would continue to be heard."

She also addressed Jeremy Corbyn's election as UK Labour leader, and called on the left winger to back her MPs in seeking to hand Holyrood the powers to block the Tory Trade Union Bill north of the border.
 

She said: "I congratulate Jeremy Corbyn on his election, but as the new Labour leader he faces some early tests - not least to demonstrate that he can unite his party to take on and defeat the Tories. I look forward to him working with us against continued austerity, in a way that his predecessor refused to do.

"I hope he and his party will also work with us to oppose the renewal of Trident. This week our parties stood together in the House of Commons in opposing draconian trade union legislation and the SNP will argue against that legislation across the whole of the UK every step of the way.

"But, sadly, the Tories won that vote.  So at this crucial time I urge Labour’s new leader to show that his party will put the rights and protections of workers in Scotland before partisan opposition to further powers for our parliament.

"When the Scotland Bill returns to the Commons the SNP will propose the devolution of powers over trade union and employment law. 

"Jeremy Corbyn must reverse Labour's opposition to the devolution of powers, back our amendment and enable our parliament and this government to take a different approach."