WESTMINSTER’S “race to the right” will drive support for independence according to Scottish First Minister John Swinney, as he rallies the SNP faithful ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections.

In a speech dominated by the SNP’s core policy, Mr Swinney closed his party’s conference today by putting the blame for the cost-of-living crisis not only on the Labour government, but successive “Thatcherite” administrations.

Calling for a “fresh start” with a fifth term in office, he said: “In many ways, the deep-seated problems facing the UK right now are a culmination of decades of failed Thatcherite economics.

“An entire system, accepted by the Westminster parties, of being intensely relaxed about some people becoming filthy rich while everyone else struggles to get by.”

Stating his hope that the crisis could be a springboard to win the majority next year, which he has set as the bar for a second referendum on independence, he continued: “It was in part Scottish revulsion at the policies of Margaret Thatcher that catapulted Scotland towards the creation of a Scottish Parliament, and the rebirth of self-government.

“We became, in Westminster language, a ‘devolved nation.’ Today I believe it will be revulsion at Westminster’s race to the right that will change Scotland’s status again.

“From a so-called devolved nation, to what we can be: a modern, outward-looking, inclusive, compassionate country.”

Rejecting Labour’s immigration policies as “fear of Farage,” he added: “I am proud to say that refugees are welcome here.

“The race to the right at Westminster is one reason why independence is so urgent and necessary.

“We choose not Westminster government, but self-government. We choose not isolationism, but internationalism. 

“Never an island of strangers, always looking to a continent of friends.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie MSP commented: “John Swinney can make all the speeches he wants, but the people of Scotland won’t be fooled — they know after 18 years of SNP failure that nothing will change.

“Our NHS is on its knees, with record waiting lists and thousands forced to turn to the private sector, violence in schools is rising, and the housing emergency is worsening by the day.

“The SNP has had almost two decades to get it right, but things are only getting worse. 

“We can’t risk a third decade of this tired and incompetent government.”