The people of Scotland “will not be denied their say” on independence by Westminster, Angus Robertson declared as he opened the SNP conference.
Taking to the stage in Aberdeen alongside Nicola Sturgeon, the nationalists’ deputy leader whipped up activists with a direct message of defiance for Theresa May.
“Scotland’s referendum is going to happen and no UK Prime Minister should dare to stand in the way of Scotland’s democracy,” he told the gathering at the AECC.
Mrs May yesterday set herself against the First Minister’s proposed timetable for a second referendum in late 2018 or early 2019, insisting: “now is not the time”..
Opponents of independence north of the border also made their voice heard, Scotland in Union unveiling a poster outside the conference with the slogan “Referendumb”.
But Mr Robertson told the conference there was “no doubt” a second referendum will take place.
If Holyrood backs the bid for a fresh ballot on Wednesday it would be “undemocratic and totally unacceptable” for this to be denied by Westminster, he said.
“Let there be no doubt – Scotland will have its referendum and the people of this country will have their choice.
“They will not be denied their say.”
The party has indicated that the timetable could be extended – perhaps as far as 2021 – depending on the progress of Brexit negotiations.
Mr Robertson said: “If the Prime Minister refuses to engage on the terms of a referendum before Brexit takes place then she is effectively trying to block the people of Scotland having a choice over their future. That would be a democratic outrage.
“If Scotland can be ignored on an issue as important as our membership of the EU and the single market, then it is clear that our voice and our interests can be ignored at any time and on any issue.
“So when the terms of Brexit are known – and not before – we will give the people the choice over the direction Scotland should take – before it is too late to change course.”
