MHAIRI Black has warned SNP members that Yes supporters are being targeted by a campaign of “disinformation, divisiveness and online interference”.

The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South made the claim during her party’s conference debate on independence.  

Delegates overwhelmingly backed the leadership, by 1204 votes to 262, supporting a resolution which committed the party to seeking a referendum if they secure a majority at the next election.

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That victory came after a heated debate between members, with divisions over the so-called Plan B, and – though never explicitly mentioned – the Scottish Government’s proposals to reform the Gender Recognition Act.

The resolution being debated was a 700-word composite which touched on the party’s position on nuclear weapons, trade, Brexit and the NHS.

On independence it said: “Conference agrees that if there is a majority in the Scottish Parliament after the Holyrood election in May for a fresh referendum on independence there can be no justification whatsoever for the Westminster government to seek to veto that democratic choice nor should we accept such a veto.”

It added: “With kindness, care and love for one another in this diverse, beautiful, welcoming country for all, it’s time we in Scotland took our own decisions, forged a new path and rebuilt our society into the more equal and prosperous country we know is possible. It’s time to put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.“

Cailyn McMahon, who chairs Young Scots for Independence told members: “How we conduct ourselves now is going to be the legacy we will set for generations to come in our new independent country. Right now is so important. If we go into a country intolerant and divided with room for bigotry, that will be the future of an independent Scotland. 

“If we are dignified and inclusive, our country will benefit for decades. After all is independence not the means to an end, with the true end being a society that is fair and just for all Scots old and new. A country where poverty is eradicated. LGBT people live freely, women are equal and racism and ableism are not tolerated.” 

David Henry, who is running to be the party’s president, said he joined the party for the “sole purpose of supporting independence.”

“My concern with this resolution is it's not constitutional. That it's not actually a resolution. It proposes nothing, it actually doesn't set any date and doesn't set a process. 

“As a result. I would like confidence to vote against it. I want to know what are we waiting for? Are we expecting bonkers Brexit Boris to somehow change his mind and allow a valuable asset to leave his clutches, which is us in Scotland?”

He added: “I didn't join to see the SNP avoid a once in a lifetime opportunity and let it pass us by which is what I fear is actually happening.” 

He told conference to vote against it, saying “I want not only want my country back. I want my party back.”

This resolution is the main debate on independence at conference, though the party has organised a National Assembly in January where members can talk through the “route to independence” and “discuss tactics and strategy for campaigning”.

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MP Joanna Cherry, who was speaking in favour of the motion, urged the party leadership to act on the conclusions of supporters at the assembly. 

She told delegates: “Eighteen years passed between the 1979 and 1997 referendums. During that time majority support for devolution in Scotland was ignored by the Tories for more than a decade. That alone should give pause for thought to those who say we don't need a plan B.”

“January's National Assembly will be very important, but it will also be vital that the newly elected NEC appoints a working group to develop and put forward that assembly's ideas. 

“It is policy and planning that we need to win the prize of our independence. 

“Once the independence campaign proper starts a searing focus will be put on our plans for the economy, trade relations with the rest of the United Kingdom, and the process for rejoining the European Union. So we must have clear answers to these”.

Veteran activist Morgwn Davies, who’s standing to be the party’s next National Secretary said there was ”no substance to the resolution, no opportunity for real meaningful debate on our party's core aim, our very reason for being, the restoration of an independent sovereign Scotland.”

Closing the debate, Mhairi Black said the SNP needed to try and sort internal divisions ahead of indyref2.

She said: “Now the end of this motion speaks of kindness, diversity and care and love for each other and this is absolutely true, but if we are going to ask people to believe in and vote for that vision in a referendum then we have to get our own house in order first. 

“We believe in independence, because it's the only realistic route to realising that vision of a fairer, healthier and more equal Scotland.  

“We have a duty as a party to get serious about tackling the bigotry that makes minorities including some of our own members at times feel like that vision may be a pipe dream after all.” 

She added:  "We know for a fact that there is a deliberate disinformation, divisiveness and online interference in politics worldwide, and we're kidding ourselves if we think we're exempt from it.

"Insidious politics works by a dripping effect. Little standalone statements that seem reasonable at first, dropping into a river of paranoia that drags down even the most rational of people."

Black also called for the party to do more preparatory work and “stop being on the backfoot on issues like currency and public ownership.”