NICOLA Sturgeon is to set out a “national mission to rebuild Scotland” from Covid and secure a Yes majority in a rallying cry to voters, it has emerged.
There are just two months to go until the Scottish Parliament elections. During that time, Sturgeon will set out a recovery-focused prospectus aimed at securing a historic fourth term in control at Holyrood.
Polling over the weekend showed the SNP is still the top choice for voters. However, the Panelbase research for the Sunday Times showed a 5% slip in support compared to levels seen in January and revealed mixed opinion over her role in allegations relating to Alex Salmond’s conduct.
Last week both she and Salmond appeared before a parliamentary probe as an inquiry examines the Scottish Government’s handling of the matter. The separate sessions were the subject of intense scrutiny in the press and on social media and the committee will now consider its findings, which are expected before the three-week remainder of this parliamentary term is out – as are the conclusions of a separate probe into whether or not Sturgeon broke the ministerial code.
Today she insists her party is “laser-focused” on tackling the pandemic and says recovering from the health and economic crisis is the SNP’s “national mission”. Sturgeon stated: “In government over this last year, the SNP has been laser-focused on keeping Scotland safe – it has been, and remains, our national mission.
“As we come out of the crisis we will have a new national mission – to rebuild and revitalise Scotland.
“And as we look to the future the fundamental question before people in Scotland is this – who has the right to decide the kind of country we should be? Should it be the people who live here or should it be the likes of Boris Johnson? I believe it is for the people of Scotland to decide.
“A Westminster Government that we didn’t vote for is taking Scotland in the wrong direction with a disastrous Brexit and a record of austerity that has damaged public services.
“In government, we will work in partnership with people across Scotland on the great rebuilding task ahead of us. Indeed, that work is already underway.”
She slammed the performance of Boris Johnson’s government over NHS pay, the Internal Market Bill and the Levelling Up Fund – which has seen wealthier Tory-held seats bumped up the list ahead of poorer parts of the country.
She said: “We are rolling out the Covid vaccination programme the length and breadth of the country. This week, we will ask parliament to back a budget that invests in people, jobs and the NHS.
“We are making sure that vital cash is available to families who need it most through the Scottish Child Payment. Our Young Person’s Guarantee aims to give every young person the opportunity to study, work, take up an apprenticeship or volunteer. And we intend to deliver a pay rise for our NHS workers – no matter what the Tories in Westminster say.
“Between now and the election we will set out how we will meet the ambitions we all share for Scotland.
“As the Westminster parties are hitting out as never before, taking powers from the Scottish Parliament, and drawing to themselves decisions on spending priorities that should be Scotland’s to make, the SNP is determined to build a better country and put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.”
The SNP and the Scottish Greens are the only larger parties to support an independence referendum since Brexit changed the political landscape. However, several new parties contesting the election for the first time also back the vote, including Scotia Future, Action for Independence and the Independence for Scotland Party.
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