Nicola Sturgeon is to say Scotland will not be turning its back on England if it votes to become independent.

In her speech to the SNP conference today, the First Minister is expected to say an independent Scotland will be in a “partnership of equals” with England.

She will say that the Scottish Government will set out its economic prospectus in the coming weeks.

Sturgeon is expected to say: “I know some see independence as turning our back on the rest of the UK. It is not - it is about recasting our relationship as one of equals.
 “There is a point here that at first glance might seem curious - but it is in my view, becoming increasingly true.
“Independence is actually the best way to protect the partnership on which the United Kingdom was founded - a voluntary partnership of nations.”

She will say that independence will be good for the rest of the UK as well as Scotland.

She is due to say: “Right now, an aggressive unionism is undermining that partnership.
“Westminster’s denial of Scottish democracy. Full frontal attacks on devolution. A basic lack of respect. It is these which are causing tension and fraying the bonds between us.
 “Scottish independence can reset and renew the whole notion of nations working together for the common good.
 “England, Scotland, Wales, the island of Ireland. We will always be the closest of friends. We will always be family. But we can achieve a better relationship  - a true partnership of equals – when we win Scotland’s independence.”