Activists say they are playing a long game after the SNP leader announces the party’s 2016 manifesto will not call for another independence voteAs Nicola Sturgeon rose to welcome delegates in Aberdeen,the mood in the conference corridor was palpably different to the rock star hysteria of her glittering post-referendum gig in Glasgow last November or the giddy anticipation of campaign conference in March. Even the SNP’s generally belting introductory music had been toned down – all evidence of a newly expanded party that is as serious-minded and strategic as ever.
This was reflected in Sturgeon’s own opening remarks: there would be no second referendum on Scottish independence in the SNP’s manifesto for next May’s Holyrood elections, to finish so would be disrespectful to all those who voted no in last September’s referendum, and – while “strong and consistent evidence” of a change in public opinion could alter this position in the future – it was ultimately up to those activists before her in the corridor to lead that change. Related: Vote to leave EU means Scotland will leave UK – Nick Clegg Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com