SNP win would complete Independence vote 'triple lock'

An SNP victory in the General Election in Scotland would complete a triple lock'' for a second independence referendum, according to the party's manifesto.

Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold another ballot at the end of the Brexit process after the majority of Scots voted to remain in the EU last year.

The party's manifesto, launched in Perth, states the SNP's win in last year's Holyrood elections, a vote in the Scottish Parliament in favour of seeking a referendum and a majority victory north of the border on June 8 would complete a triple lock, further reinforcing the democratic mandate which already exists''.

The document adds: In such circumstances, any continued Tory attempts to block the people of Scotland having a choice on their future, when the options are clear, and on a timescale determined by the Scottish Parliament, would be democratically unsustainable.''

The SNP won 56 of the 59 seats in Scotland in the 2015 general election and the party is expected to take the most again, despite polls suggesting it is likely to lose some of them.

Opposition parties said the manifesto pledge confirmed independence remains the SNP's top priority.

Ms Sturgeon indicated the vote may be delayed past her proposed autumn 2018 and spring 2019 timetable.

She said: It is important that people have clarity about Brexit and what that means, and they then have clarity about the options.

I've said autumn 2018 to spring 2019 for a reason - because that's when Theresa May is saying the Brexit process will end, so I have taken her at her word.

If that changes, and I said this on the day I set out these plans, if that changes, then of course we'll have to consider our timing in light of that.''

Addressing supporters at Perth Concert Hall, the SNP leader said a majority Scottish vote for her party would also provide a more immediate opportunity'' tomake sure that Scotland's voice is heard'' in the Brexit negotiations.

She said being taken out of the EU and the single market would put 80,000 jobs in Scotland at risk and would pose a real danger to our farmers and fishermen, our universities, our food and drink businesses, to almost every sector of our economy''.

Scottish Government proposals to keep the UK in the single market were brushed aside'' by the Prime Minister, she added.

She said: This election offers people the opportunity to give them democratic legitimacy and make it impossible for the Prime Minister to continue to ignore Scotland's voice.

My message to all voters in Scotland is this: whether you voted Leave or Remain last year, or Yes or No in 2014, vote SNP on June 8 to give me a mandate to demand a place for Scotland at the Brexit negotiating table, so we can work to keep Scotland in the single market.''

While she stressed the importance of Scotland being given a choice on its future, the First Minister used much of her speech to attack the Conservatives.

The election campaign has been depicted by both sides in Scotland as a two-horse race, with the Tories targeting several SNP seats, including that of depute leader Angus Robertson.

Ms Sturgeon said her manifesto represented a clear alternative to continued austerity''.

She added: For the Tories, austerity cuts are not simply a policy response to a particular economic situation.

They are political dogma - an ideology.''

The manifesto also sets out anti-austerity'' plans to invest almost #120 billion in UK public services and pledges to increase the minimum wage to #10 an hour.

Further pledges include a plan for additional NHS spending that would increase the health budget in Scotland by up to an extra #1 billion, a call to abolish the two-child cap and the so-called rape clause, backing for the triple lock on pensions and support for a UK-wide increase in the higher rate of taxation from 45p to 50p.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: Nicola Sturgeon has once again confirmed that her number one priority in this election is her plan for another unwanted and divisive independence referendum.

It is clearer than ever that the majority of Scots who don't want another divisive independence referendum need to send Nicola Sturgeon a message that she should focus on the day job.''

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: The SNP must think we are stupid.

They barely mentioned independence today but we know independence will be their top priority once the election is over.''