Nicola Sturgeon claims Boris Johnson’s visit to Scotland highlights key independence argument

The Prime Minister’s visit to Scotland later today highlights one of the “key arguments” for Scottish independence, the First Minister has claimed.

In a tweet this morning, Ms Sturgeon took aim at Boris Johnson, who will make the case for the strength of the union as he meets Scottish business owners recovering from the economic impact of coronavirus.

“One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions,” Ms Sturgeon told followers on Twitter, “rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen.”

“[Mr Johnson’s] presence highlights that,” she added.

Yesterday the Prime Minister hailed the “sheer might” of the United Kingdom in helping the country through the pandemic.

“When I stood on the steps of Downing Street one year ago, I pledged to be a Prime Minister for every corner of the United Kingdom,” Mr Johnson said ahead of the visit.

“Whether you are from East Kilbride or Dumfries, Motherwell or Paisley, I promised to level up across Britain and close the opportunity gap.

“The last six months have shown exactly why the historic and heartfelt bond that ties the four nations of our country together is so important and the sheer might of our union has been proven once again.”

Recent polling on independence suggests a small majority of Scots now favour breaking away from the UK, but Mr Johnson has ruled out the prospect of allowing a referendum.

He said: “In Scotland, the UK’s magnificent armed forces have been on the ground doing vital work to support the NHS, from setting up and running mobile testing sites to airlifting critically ill patients to hospitals from some of Scotland’s most remote communities.

“And the UK Treasury stepped in to save the jobs of a third of Scotland’s entire workforce and kept the wolves at bay for tens of thousands of Scottish businesses.

“More than ever, this shows what we can achieve when we stand together, as one United Kingdom.”

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