Nicola Sturgeon: Independence economy will 'work for everyone'

Nicola Sturgeon has claimed that independence will mean the creation of "an economy that works for everyone" as she prepares to launch a new prospectus paper.

The First Minister will release the third in the Scottish Government's ten-paper series outlining its renewed case for constitutional change.

The SNP-Green administration remains committed to holding a second referendum on the matter next October, and is awaiting the Supreme Court's judgement over whether the Scottish Parliament has the powers to legislate for this without Westminster consent.

Meanwhile, the UK Government remains opposed to such a move.

The new paper will address the key issues of currency, trade and fiscal stability to build the economic case for change.

It will also set out proposals for a major new fund using oil revenues to "accelerate the transition to net zero, build resilient communities and help kick-start the sustainable economic growth so important for the newly independent nation," the Scottish Government said.

At the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Sturgeon said that would deliver up to £20bn of investment within the first decade of independence.

Speaking ahead of the launch, she said Scotland has "everything it takes to be just as successful as comparable independent European countries" and government analysis shows "a dynamic economy and social justice go hand in hand".

She stated: "The UK economic model is demonstrably failing and increasingly holding Scotland back. Independence is now essential to build an economy that works for everyone. The paper we are publishing today will help people make a clear, informed choice about independence and how we can forge a path towards becoming a fairer, greener, wealthier country."

However, Scottish Conservative economy spokeswoman Liz Smith said the SNP has "never been able to make a convincing economic case for independence" or answer "the big questions that the public want answered" on pensions, currency and the border. 

Labour's Daniel Johnson accused the SNP of "wasting 15 years in government peddling the same old agenda". He said: "They are gambling people's livelihoods based on fantasy economics and wishful thinking."