Independence Is Not A Miracle Economic Cure

Sturgeon warns going it alone will not be a 'panacea' but has vowed to bankroll it with a £20bn energy fund

- Paul Hutcheon

Nicola Sturgeon has stepped up her demands for a referendum while admitting independence will not provide a "miracle economic cure".

Speaking against a backdrop of global financial turbulence, the First Minister told the SNP conference that independence work would take "time" and "hard work".

She also said a new economic prospectus would set out the "challenges" facing an independent Scotland, which would be partly bankrolled by a new energy fund.

The Supreme Court will today hold a hearing on whether Holyrood can stage an independence referendum on its own, which the SNP-led Government wants to take place next October.

If judges strike down the Bill, Sturgeon has said she will use the next general election as a 'de facto' referendum.

In her keynote speech to the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Sturgeon said she would accept the verdict of the Court, saying: "If the Court decides in the way we hope it does, on 19 October next year, there will be an independence referendum.

"And if the court doesn't decide that way? First, and obviously, we will respect that judgment. We believe in the rule of law. And as a party- and a movement - we will, of course, reflect." Her speech also tried to manage expectations on independence. She said: "Independence is not a panacea - for any nation - but it is about hope for a better future.

"Independence is not a miracle economic cure. But let this message ring out today.