KATE Forbes has committed to launching a “party-based independence campaign” on day one of her tenure as first minister if she wins the SNP leadership election.
At her campaign launch in Aviemore on Monday, the Finance Secretary said she did not agree with using the next Westminster election as a de facto referendum and insisted the focus should instead be on reaching out to those not yet convinced of the merits of independence to “put pressure on the UK Government”.
However, she refused to commit to publishing pro-independence Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures as part of making the case for self-determination.
Forbes previously said in 2021 she was committed to working on an alternative to the controversial figures, which only paint a picture of Scotland’s economic position as part of the UK.
She declined to say whether she still stood by pledge, only stressing that “we should set out quite clearly what the benefits of independence would be if we’re interested in persuading others”.
GERS figures estimate the difference between what Scotland raises via taxation and what is spent on its public services. The most recent GERS report suggests that for the period of 2021/2022 Scotland had a government deficit of £23.7 billion.
When asked whether she agreed with the de facto referendum plan, Forbes said: “I do think the next Westminster election needs to be a key focus, but I would propose on day one of being first minister to establish a proper party-based campaign team or mechanism to get out there, to make the case, with significant focus on increasing our support at the next Westminster election.
“That would be my approach rather than calling it a de facto referendum.
“I think independence does need to be front and centre of that election. I wouldn’t call it a de facto referendum but I think we need to use that election as a means of putting pressure on the UK Government.
“I think independence will be achieved but we have to ensure we are reaching out and persuading people. That requires a clear approach to campaigning and it requires us to demonstrate economic competence, both in terms of how we govern right now and in terms of any future prospect.”
When asked whether she would commit to commissioning alternative GERS figures – which was also a pledge of her predecessor Derek Mackay – Forbes added: “I think we need to make the economic case for independence.
“The GERS figures are based on how Scotland operates and exists as part of the wider UK, so it tells a story, but we equally should set out quite clearly what the benefits of independence would be if we we’re interested in persuading others.”
At the Cairngorm Brewery, Forbes used a speech to stress how she wanted to “reset the relationship with businesses”.
Although supportive of the aims of the Deposit Return Scheme, she was highly critical of its delivery and suggested businesses “need a break” from additional burdens being placed on them in the wake of the Covid pandemic and the energy crisis.
She also hinted she had issues with proposals such as a plan to ban alcohol advertising.
After a week of facing relentless questioning over her personal beliefs and faith after suggesting she wouldn’t have voted in favour of same sex marriage, Forbes stressed she was keen to move the conversation on to the cost-of-living crisis and her plan for independence – issues she insists SNP members cared about more.
She said: “I’m keen we move the conversation on to talking about issues SNP members are pretty desperate to hear about which is cost of living crises and the NHS, but even more than that what the plan is to deliver independence.
“We’ve spent a week on other issues and I’m hopeful that this week we can start talking about these matters.”
She added she felt her role as Finance Secretary since 2020 puts her in the best position to ensure Scotland has the prosperous economy it needs to thrive as an independent country.
“My track record speaks for itself,” added Forbes.
“Underpinning all of our work to eradicate poverty, to put the NHS and other public services on a sustainable footing, is a growing, prosperous economy. That is critical and I have been responsible for manging Scotland’s economy and budget over Covid, and I think I have the respect and experience to ensure we do put sustainable economic growth front and centre of our plans.”
During her visit to the brewery, Forbes did stress she was supportive of same sex couples adopting children despite her views on gay marriage.
She added: "I believe so strongly in the need to increase adoption and fostering and I would support any families who sought to adopt or foster.
"If anything right now there are far too many kids in the care system and far too few foster parents and parents ready to adopt.
"I would support all efforts to increase the numbers of adoption and fostering."
