Humza Yousaf independence plan back by SNP
The proposal was supported by members at the party conference in Aberdeen
The SNP will push the UK Government to open negotiations on independence if it wins a majority of Scottish seats at the next general election.
The strategy was backed by members at the party conference in Aberdeen, marking a change from an approach favoured by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who had planned to use the election as a de facto referendum.
Humza Yousaf said this would see the SNP “setting ourselves a bar no other party sets itself”.
The party would need to win at least 29 seats in next year’s vote.
"Westminster roadblock"
SNP members debated the proposal today before backing the plan to “begin immediate negotiations with the UK Government to give democratic effect to Scotland becoming an independent country" if the party wins the most seats in Scotland.
The First Minister said while he had “some sympathy” for those who favoured the de facto response, he could not support it.
Mr Yousaf said: "Westminster is denying Scotland a democratic referendum - that tells you precisely who fears democracy and no wonder."
But he added: "Being honest the fact is we have hit a Westminster roadblock, so if they are going to deny us a referendum let us use the next general election to put independence front and centre."