Nicola Sturgeon: Democracy must prevail over second independence referendum

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to say that democracy must - and will prevail - on the issue of a second referendum during her speech at the SNP conference today. 

The SNP leader is set to tell party members that her approach will be "co-operation not confrontation" as she tries to secure another independence vote. 

The First Minister wants a referendum by the end of 2023 when the pandemic has passed.

She is due to say: “My approach to government and to politics will be, as far as possible, co-operation not confrontation.

“The experience of the pandemic and the challenges we face as a result reinforces my view that this is the right approach.

“So it is in that spirit of co-operation that I hope the Scottish and UK governments can reach agreement - as we did in 2014 - to allow the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland to be heard and respected.

“But, this much is clear. Democracy must - and will - prevail.

“The United Kingdom is after all a voluntary union of nations. Until recently no-one seriously challenged the right of the people in Scotland to choose whether or not they wished to become independent.

“Frankly it is not up to a Westminster government which has just six MPs in Scotland to decide our future without the consent of the people who live here.

“As an independent country, co-operation between Scotland and our friends across the rest of the UK will continue, but it will be on a better basis: Scotland will be an equal partner.”