SNP conference told independence means departing ‘an abusive relationship’

The SNP conference has backed a motion calling on the UK Government to prepare for independence as Scotland exits an “abusive relationship”. 

Speaking during a resolution at the SNP’s spring conference in Edinburgh, Norman MacLeod, a Glasgow city councillor, said Scotland had been subsidising the rest of the UK for too long. 

He said: “Rather than a velvet divorce, it’s my belief that as we move towards self-governance and an independent Scotland, we are not going through a divorce; we are departing an abusive relationship. 

“My dear neighbours [the rest of the UK] you are going to have to learn to stand on your own feet. No more guaranteed subsides from us.” 

MacLeod told delegates that Scotland subsidises the rest of the UK with money from oil and gas, renewables, as well as various reserved taxes.  

He said: “We're constantly told the big lie that we live off the rest of the UK – nothing could be further from the truth.  

“Scotland’s only problem is how wealthy we will be when we become independent.” 

Alex Orr, from the Meadows and Morningside branch, seconded the resolution, telling the conference the motion was about “prudent planning” and it would be “extreme fiscal negligence” on the part of the UK Government not to make arrangements in the lead up to independence. 

The resolution passed unanimously.