NICOLA Sturgeon is expected to underline her commitment to a second independence referendum when she sets out her government’s priorities for the new parliamentary term in Holyrood tomorrow.
The First Minister and SNP leader sought a mandate in her party’s election manifesto to hold a new vote within the current session.
She has said her preference is for it to take place by the end of 2023, so long as the Covid crisis has passed and that she is prepared for it to take place without Boris Johnson’s agreement, using Holyrood legislation.
The First Minister’s statement will take place following any topical questions from MSPs to ministers tomorrow, according to weekly the agenda of what is happening in Holyrood on the Scottish Parliament’s website and before committee announcements are made.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon 'changed tune' on indy to win votes, former Sunday Times editor says
Setting out the agenda for business in the chamber tomorrow, it said:
“Topical Questions (if selected): First Minister’s statement on the Scottish Government Priorities
“Committee announcements.”
Following her formal election last Tuesday, Sturgeon recommitted to indyref2 and set out her other priorities, the top being to continue to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
She listed other commitments for the new government which included completing the vaccination programme, implementing a 4% pay rise for NHS workers, publishing an NHS recovery plan, opening the first three fast-track cancer diagnostic centres and removing dental charges for care leavers.
She also pledged to consult on legislation to establish a new national care service, fund 1000 extra teachers as the first phase of additional recruitment, abolish fees for music and arts tuition and make payments to low-income families ahead of doubling of the Scottish child payment from £10 to £20 a week.
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