Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has said that Scotland’s future prosperity depends on independence, arguing that the country is being “held back” under Westminster’s control.
Speaking after thousands of people joined a pro-independence march through Edinburgh on Saturday, Forbes described independence as a chance for a “fresh start.” She accused successive UK governments of leaving Scotland stuck in “economic decline” and “managed stagnation.”
“Scotland has the people, the resources, and the ambition to build a thriving economy,” she said. “But Westminster has presided over falling living standards and chronic under-investment. The current Labour government isn’t offering any real alternative or long-term vision for growth either.”
Forbes argued that an independent Scotland could rejoin the European Union, boosting trade and investment, while also using its natural energy resources to lead a “just transition” away from fossil fuels.
“This is not just about constitutional change,” she added. “It’s about Scotland’s economic future. The case for independence has never been stronger – and the right to choose that future has never been more urgent.”
Her comments came just days after First Minister John Swinney said a second referendum is now “more important, more urgent and more necessary than ever.” Swinney also noted that by 2030, a million young Scots will be eligible to vote who weren’t old enough during the 2014 referendum – which he said shows a new generation deserves a say.
The Scottish Government recently published a paper calling on Westminster to respect Scotland’s right to decide its own future. Swinney has made clear that he wants the SNP to win a majority in next May’s Holyrood election to strengthen the case for another referendum.
However, the UK Government has consistently refused requests for a new vote, insisting that the 2014 referendum was a “once in a generation” event. A spokesperson said earlier this week: “Another referendum is simply not a priority for Scots. Our focus is on growing the economy, improving public services, and putting more money in people’s pockets.” Photo by Scottish Parliament, Wikimedia commons.
