SCOTLAND’S GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE INDEPENDENT

SCOTLAND’S GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE INDEPENDENT


As the SNP begins the final day of its 2009 conference in Inverness
delegates will focus on campaigning for the Glasgow North East
by-election, the upcoming Westminster election and look forward to a
referendum to allow the people of Scotland to have their say over
Scotand’s constitutional future.

The high point of today’s events will be an address by Deputy First
Minister, Depute Leader of the SNP and Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola
Sturgeon MSP.

Ms Sturgeon’s speech which will close this year’s enormously successful
conference will be preceded by the launch of the SNP’s candidates for the
Westminster election as Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford is
joined by Angus Robertson and Michael Russell to lead the party through
the campaigns ahead on the road to the referendum.

The SNP will debate independence and respond to the Calman Commission with
a call for immediate devolution of powers where it is possible to do so.

Speaking ahead of the debate Mr Crawford said:

“Scotland’s got what it takes to be Independent.

“As we prepare for the election campaign ahead the SNP has shown over the
last 3 days that in Glasgow, across Scotland and in the world we’ve got
what it takes to speak up for Scotland and for Scotland to be an
independent nation.

“It is clear that only the SNP and a strong Scottish block of SNP MPs in
Westminster will speak up for Scotland, drive Scotland’s recovery forward
and protect Scotland’s interests.”

SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson said the SNP has got what it takes
to give Scotland a louder and stronger voice in Westminster – starting
with Glasgow North East:

“Over the last three days in Inverness and the last two years in
government the SNP has shown we have what it takes to give Scotland a
stronger and louder voice in Westminster.

“The next six months will see us campaign in Glasgow North East and across
the country on our record of delivery for Scotland, protecting Scottish
interests and for a stronger and louder voice for Scotland at Westminster.

“Only the SNP can offer a stronger and louder voice in Westminster to
people across Scotland. Labour and the Tories have failed Scotland – it
is a strong SNP voice that will put the pressure on UK parties to get the
best deal for Scotland, rather than suffer the slash and burn impact of
Labour and the Tories reckless battle to cut public services.”