Sturgeon: ‘A natural majority for independence’

The Deputy First Minister believes there is a “natural majority” for independence, despite polling that suggests the opposite.She will make the comments in a speech in Glasgow today, billed by the SNP as an attempt to move the campaign “on to a new level”.

Nicola Sturgeon: Trying to move Yes campaign 'on to a new level'. Picture: Ian Rutherford

“I am convinced, from talking to people across the country, that there is a natural majority in Scotland for independence,” she is expected to say. “What do I mean by that? I mean that people will vote Yes if we can persuade them that it opens the door to a wealthier and fairer country.”

Ms Sturgeon will refer to a YouGov poll, commissioned by the SNP, which suggested 47 per cent of people in Scotland would be more likely to vote Yes, or already plan to vote Yes, if the Yes campaign can persuade them Scotland will be fairer and wealthier compared with the UK.

She is expected to pose questions for the No camp to answer, including whether the UK will still be in the European Union.

She will also ask how much more means-testing will be introduced to the UK benefits system and how many more children will be “living in poverty” because of Westminster cuts to welfare.