SNP depute leader Keith Brown yesterday urged delegates at the party’s online conference to take its “message of an explicit, cast-iron commitment to a referendum on Scotland’s future to each and every voter in the country”.

Hailing Nicola Sturgeon’s closing speech, Brown said: “We all know that in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, our party and our country have a brilliant leader of courage and compassion. I have been to many conferences in my many years as an SNP member, but this year’s closing address from our First Minister was surely the most inspirational conference speech I have heard.

“We cannot, and will not, let things simply slide back to the way they were. We can no longer accept as inevitable the issues that blight our communities. This pandemic has turned our world upside down and, as a party, we will build back better.

“I have never been prouder to be a member of the SNP. With one hand tied behind our back we are building back a better Scotland and holding up a light to show countries across the world what is possible in our recovery from coronavirus.

“The question now for all of us as we look ahead to the election next May is this: who should have the right to take decisions that will shape Scotland’s future for generations to come. The people of Scotland, or Boris Johnson and his band of Brexiteers?”

Brown said he had relished the opportunity to hear from Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price, saying: “His straight-talking approach is always well received by SNP members and I wholeheartedly echo calls for a Celtic Summit next year to cement our existing ties with Wales.”

Brown went on: “Our drive as the SNP to tackle deep-seated poverty and inequality in our communities was the defining theme of this year’s conference. We heard from our colleagues on the Social Justice and Fairness Commission who have shown us how we can create a fairer society with the full powers of independence.

“Calls from Shona Robison MSP for a windfall tax on those businesses who have seen excess profits soar during this pandemic would help us raise much needed revenues and ensure a fairer recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A £100 million winter fund for low income households – including a £100 direct payment for families of children in receipt of free school meals – is not just bold but essential as we support the most vulnerable through the coming months.

“The First Minister also announced further investment of £5m to support the homeless and boost our existing rapid rehoming plan, Housing First.

“And as a thank you to all of our NHS and adult social care staff – who have been there for us throughout this terrible pandemic – the SNP Government will give you an extra £500. No strings attached – just the tangible recognition you deserve for your remarkable work throughout this pandemic.”