Independence: Scotland and England not ‘equal’

Nicola Sturgeon told Nationalists in Glasgow today that Scotland and England are not equal in the eyes of the No campaign. Picture: Getty

But Ms Sturgeon’s keynote speech was interrupted by anti-cuts campaigners who burst in mid-way through and chanted “Shame on You” at the SNP deputy leader.

The protesters were ushered out by staff at the Lighthouse in Glasgow and Ms Sturgeon carried on without stopping.

She described next year’s vote it as “the greatest opportunity” of our lifetimes.

Scotland is “one country” , she told Nationalists, but the union was founded in 1707 on the basis it would have the same standing as England.

But Ms Sturgeon said: “The fact is that the entire No campaign appears to have completely abandoned any pretence that the union is about an equal partnership between Scotland and England.”

“According to their notion of the union, an independent Scotland is not equal at all - according to them we have no entitlement to the shared assets of the UK, such as the currency and central bank - though we would be expected to shoulder our share of the national debt.”

A series of questions were set out by Ms Sturgeon in response to the 500 questions issued by the No campaign. She said Scots must know what the “future holds” within the union and issued the “UK 2020 questions” on , issues including Trident, welfare, the bedroom tax, economic growth and Holyrood’s additional powers.

Ms Sturgeon insisted there is a “natural majority” for independence - who will vote yes if they can be persuaded Scotland can be “wealthier and fairer.”

“Independence represents a continuation of Scotland’s journey as a nation,” she said.

“Independence is the right choice for the 21st century.”