SNP announce new date for special independence convention

The SNP is to hold a special independence convention in Dundee in June.

The event, which will take place in the city’s Caird Hall on June 24, was originally scheduled for March 19 but was postponed due to the SNP leadership race.

Former first minister Nicole Sturgeon announced the special conference following the decision of the UK Supreme Court that Holyrood could not legislate for another referendum.

The Edinburgh conference was cast into doubt following her shock resignation in February, with the party’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn among the high profile names calling for it to be postponed.

Following the announcement of the conference’s new date, SNP depute leader Keith Brown said the convention would be “solely focused” on how to hold a legally-binding referendum.

He said: “The SNP, under the leadership of Humza Yousaf, is laser focused on ensuring the people of Scotland have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.

“We have won election after election and have a cast iron mandate for a fresh independence referendum – but the Westminster system is refusing to respect Scotland’s democratic wishes.

“As the only mass membership political party in Scotland we are calling on our members – the lifeblood of our party and movement – to help us secure that key vote that our country needs.

“Members from every corner of Scotland will join Humza Yousaf, Stephen Flynn and representatives from across the party for the one-day Independence Convention event in Dundee.

“The Tories and Labour Party will no doubt be up in arms about us even discussing Scotland’s constitutional future – but the fact is this that a choice on our future is needed more than ever.

“With Keir Starmer’s pro-Brexit Labour party trying to out-Tory the Tories, it’s clear independence is needed to escape a broken Westminster system and to arm the Scottish Parliament with the powers needed to overcome the Tory cost-of-living crisis.

“Only the SNP is offering a positive alternative to the broken Westminster system. And it is only independence that will get rid of damaging Tory governments for good.”

The SNP has also announced its annual conference will be held in Aberdeen from October 15 to 17.