Nicola Sturgeon Expresses Full Support for SNP’s Independence Strategy
3 min read
PERTH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Nicola Sturgeon, gives her first key note speech as SNP party leader at the partys annual conference on November 15, 2014 in Perth, Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon formally took over the leadership of the SNP from Alex Salmond yesterday, during her speech she urged voters to leave Labour in next May's UK election. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland, has voiced her complete support for the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) new strategy on independence. Sturgeon made the statement as she arrived at the SNP conference in Aberdeen. While her plan to use the next general election as a de facto referendum was rejected by delegates, Sturgeon expressed her backing for the new approach, which focuses on winning a majority of seats.
As Sturgeon arrived at the conference venue, she received a round of applause from party members. She spoke to reporters and stated, “I believed I’d given it my all in moving the country to independence but that I had taken it as far as I could.” Despite stepping down as first minister in March, Sturgeon remains an influential figure within the SNP and emphasized her “full unequivocal support” for the party’s independence strategy.
Addressing the speculation that she may be diverting attention from her successor, Sturgeon stated, “I don’t think there is any doubt from what I’ve seen about who is in charge of this conference and it’s Humza Yousaf.” She praised Yousaf, the current first minister, and dismissed suggestions of any rivalry. Yousaf, likewise, expressed his delight at Sturgeon’s attendance and predicted that she would receive a warm reception from party members.
In terms of the SNP’s recent defeat in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, Sturgeon urged the party to maintain a strong connection between independence and people’s priorities. She emphasized the need for the SNP to remind people why it has been successful in numerous elections.
Earlier, Yousaf had participated in a debate on the party’s independence strategy at the conference, wherein he rejected Sturgeon’s initial proposal to use the next general election to initiate talks with the UK government. Instead, delegates agreed that a majority of votes for the SNP at the next general election should trigger independence negotiations with Westminster and pave the way for a potential second referendum. If the UK government continues to reject these demands, the SNP could consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as an alternative vote.
Despite Sturgeon no longer being the leader of the SNP, her presence at the conference was warmly received by party activists. Upon her arrival, she was greeted with applause and shown a video tribute highlighting her achievements as party leader. While some within the SNP believe that current challenges stem from Sturgeon’s time in charge, her popularity among party activists remains strong.
Humza Yousaf dismissed concerns that Sturgeon’s presence would overshadow his first conference as leader. He appeared relaxed about her arrival and acknowledged the strong bond she has with the party. One aide even described the SNP as Sturgeon’s family. The warm welcome Sturgeon received clearly touched the former leader.
In conclusion, Nicola Sturgeon’s expression of full support for the SNP’s independence strategy highlights her continued influence within the party. Despite a shift in approach, Sturgeon’s presence at the conference was well-received, demonstrating her enduring popularity among party members.
