Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has described independence as an economic necessity, arguing Scotland is being held back by Westminster. Speaking after thousands joined a march in Edinburgh organised by All Under One Banner, she said leaving the United Kingdom could be a fresh start and blamed successive UK governments for economic decline.

First Minister John Swinney has said a second independence referendum has never been more important, urgent or necessary. He is determined to win a Holyrood majority next May to push for a ballot. A UK Government spokesperson stated that another referendum is not a priority for Scots and urged the Scottish Government to focus on delivering its Plan for Change to grow the economy, improve public services and put more money in people’s pockets.

Ms Forbes argued that independence would allow Scotland to rejoin the European Union and benefit economically. She said Scotland has energy resources necessary to enable a just transition away from fossil fuels. She told the rally: “This is not just a constitutional argument. It’s an economic necessity.” Forbes added that Scotland has the people, resources and ambition to build a thriving economy, but is being held back by Westminster’s cycle of decline and under-investment, with the Labour government offering no credible long-term growth plan.