Humza Yousaf said Scotland would vote for independence if a second referendum was held tomorrow.

The First Minister said there would be a “comprehensive” victory for the Yes campaign as he produced the latest policy document for an independent Scotland focusing on immigration and citizenship.

The paper puts forward a citizenship system where people born in other countries, if they have a Scottish parent, could apply for citizenship in a model similar to the Republic of Ireland.

He said ensuring there are enough people of working age living in Scotland would be a challenge and the working population needs to increase to cope with an ageing population.

Yousaf said: "We know that one of the biggest challenges we face is that demographic challenge, and therefore having more people of working age coming here contributing, living, studying, working in Scotland, I think is a good thing."

He added: "I am in no doubt that alongside the climate crisis, the challenges of an ageing population are one of the biggest issues future generations will face in Scotland, unless action is taken today.

"The Scottish Government wants to make it easier for people, including those seeking to reconnect with family roots, to gain citizenship and contribute to our economy, society and public services like the NHS.”

On the prospect of independence becoming a reality he said: "If there was a referendum tomorrow, we would win it and win it comprehensively.

"That's also part of the reason why of course I'm publishing these papers, because they help to make the argument, give people the information they need to make that informed decision about independence."

Meanwhile opposition parties said the First Minister was “out of touch”.

Neil Bibby, Scottish Labour constitution spokesperson, said: “Our NHS is in chaos and people are struggling to make ends meet during the worst cost of living crisis in decades – but as always the SNP-Green government is distracted by its constitutional obsession.
“Humza Yousaf is completely out of touch with Scotland’s priorities and bereft of new ideas.
Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative constitution, spokesperson said: “People across Scotland will be appalled that Humza Yousaf is focusing on yet another self-indulgent paper touting independence. It is the wrong priority at the worst possible time.

“This paper is not only a blatant misuse of public money and resources by the SNP, but it also demonstrates how out of touch they are with the public.”