"REFERENDUM - NOT IF, BUT WHEN"

"REFERENDUM - NOT IF, BUT WHEN"

Addressing SNP Conference on the Road to the Referendum SNP MSP and Minister for Parliament Bruce Crawford will say that we are now closer to a referendum on independence than ever before with opposition parties conceding the principle, meaning it is no longer a case of if - but when - the referendum is held.

The Scottish Government is to publish a white paper for a referendum in 2010.

Bruce Crawford will say:

"Over the course of the past few months the debate on the referendum has moved significantly.

"The Tories have adopted their default position of refusing to listen to the people of Scotland. Both the Liberals and Labour are in obvious confusion and disarray as and more of their senior people accept the principle of holding a referendum, if not yet agreeing with our timing.

"Our unionist opponents are in disarray over the referendum, Calman and the economy.

"In contrast, we are focused and certain on our recovery plans for Scotland and giving the sovereign people of Scotland the opportunity to have their say on the future of their country.

"To those commentators who do not believe we can secure a referendum, I say to them watch this space. I take certainty and focus to win over confusion and disarray anytime.

"But if the unionists continue to deny the people of Scotland a voice - in 2011 the people of Scotland will have their say and I believe will back the SNP to give them the responsibility to decide the future of their country."