SNP Spring conference: Nicola Sturgeon says party to build a fresh case for independence

In her conference speech on 12 March, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon announced the Scottish National Party's (SNP) renewed pursuit of independence from the UK. She also spoke about how she will use the new powers afforded to Scotland from Westminster as a result of the referendum in 2014.

Sturgeon said her party will undertake a fresh effort for Scottish independence, but not "browbeat" voters into supporting the change. During the September 2014 referendum, 55% of the Scottish electorate voted to remain in the UK.

"Patiently and respectfully, we will seek to convince you that independence really does offer the best future for Scotland," said Sturgeon, to a packed room of 3,000 delegates. "A future shaped, not by perpetual Tory governments that we don't vote for, but by our own choices and our own endeavours.

"We want to be in the driving seat of our own destiny. We will not achieve our dream of independence just by wishing that the outcome of the referendum had been different or wishing we could do it all again next week.

"This summer the SNP will embark on a new initiative to build support for independence," she said.

The speech brought the delegates off their seats in a standing ovation. The SNP have said that if Britain votes to leave in the June referendum on EU membership, it could trigger a fresh vote for Scottish independence, if the majority of Scottish voters vote to remain in the EU.