Thread by @theSNP

📺 Watch @KeithBrownSNP's opening speech to the #SNP21 Conference.

👇🏼 Follow the updates live on this thread, or on snp.org/live.

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Delegates, members, friends,

Welcome to the 87th SNP Annual National Conference.

I dearly wish I was welcoming you all in person, to shake hands with fellow members and activists, to warmly embrace old friends and long-time comrades in our pursuit of independence." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "To share old stories, remember absent friends and, when the day’s work is done, to raise a glass in their memory.

But while this dreadful pandemic has loosened some of its grip on the nation, we are far from out of the woods yet." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And that means the opportunity to meet once again in person is simply not entirely safe while we wrestle to control this dreadful disease." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "As we move into the challenging winter period, I’d like to pay testimony to the NHS staff, care workers, emergency services, all the key workers and our fantastic colleagues working in vital council services across Scotland." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Their commitment and selflessness have helped us all during this pandemic.

And we can all have faith that those on whom we have relied during these difficult months will continue to give their all to protect us and our loved ones." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "So friends, we meet again in the virtual world.

And I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff across the party who have worked so hard to put this conference together." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Once again, we are using the Hopin platform and I hope you will Hop In for the full conference - all the way to the First Minister’s keynote address on Monday.

We have great speeches from John Swinney and Ian Blackford - who faces Boris Johnson down every week." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And Conference comes to a close with the much-anticipated address from our party leader, Nicola Sturgeon.

As well as speeches, our agenda is packed full of Resolutions for debate, and I’ll be looking forward to much lively discussion across these next four days." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Regular attendees of virtual Conference will be happy to know that, by popular demand, the much-loved Blether function returns, where you can virtually catch up with the friends you can’t see in real life.

So please, Hop In and say hello." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Friends, the SNP gathers this weekend in great shape – but also with great resolve.

The last couple of years have been challenging for all of us, and they have made us all think about what really matters in our lives." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "As a responsible government, the SNP’s first priority has been, and remains, steering Scotland safely through the pandemic.

While the whole Westminster system is clearly broken beyond repair, we are focussed on delivering for the people in every corner of Scotland." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And as we look to the future, we will urge the people of Scotland to think about what kind of country they want to live in when the pandemic is over." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Who is best placed to make decisions affecting their lives?

Who is most committed to making Scotland a fairer, more prosperous nation and tackling key issues like the climate emergency?" #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "We will not allow Scotland’s future to be limited by the relentless negativity, the can’t-do attitude and the complete lack of vision from the unionist parties.

Our case for Scotland’s future is one based on optimism and ambition." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "A belief that our nation has what it takes to be a successful independent nation.

And a belief that the people who live here can take better decisions about their lives rather than leaving Westminster in control." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "That is the case we will make in the months ahead – and that is the case which will lead us to independence." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Earlier this year we witnessed an election of historic significance, and you all played a crucial role.

The result of your endeavours delivered a result which was simply stunning. No party has ever received more votes, or a larger vote share in a Holyrood election." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And, despite the combined efforts of the pro-union forces ranged against us, you returned 64 MSPs to parliament - despite the system being set up specifically to prevent such a result." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "But because of the incredible dedication of every branch, every member and every activist, you helped deliver a historic fourth term for the SNP - and once again secured Nicola Sturgeon as our First Minister." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And more than that, you delivered an undeniable mandate for a new independence referendum.

People have put their trust in us as a government through this pandemic, and they have demonstrated that trust at local level." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Now we must aim to replicate our Holyrood triumph in next year’s local government elections.

I know, once again, we can count on our army of activists to get out the SNP vote to deliver another thumping result - and another big step on our journey to independence." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Friends, I can tell you this: that independence campaign is well underway.

And I promise you we will not let up until we win that referendum!" #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "The last time I addressed Conference, I urged everyone to Reach Out for Indy. We know that to win a referendum on independence we must reach out to undecided voters.

And we are strengthening relationships with others in the Yes movement to unite behind our campaign." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "That is why this month we embarked on the first of a series of bold initiatives to deliver our message to those yet to be convinced." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "The SNP teamed up with our Green allies in government, Believe in Scotland and The National - unbelievably still the only newspaper in Scotland to support independence.

Together we produced, printed and distributed our own paper to build the case for independence." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "By St Andrew’s Day this coming Tuesday, that newspaper will have been delivered to one million homes across Scotland." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Our ambition is only surpassed by the commitment of you, our members and activists, whose hard-work pounding the streets is making our ambition a reality - letterbox by letterbox by letterbox." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Friends, just two months ago, back in September, our First Minister made a hugely significant announcement.

The Scottish Government is resuming its crucial work on an updated and detailed prospectus for independence." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "That new government work will be essential to help voters make their fully informed choice and we await the delivery of that new prospectus with eager anticipation." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Meanwhile, our combined task is clear. We must bring to life our vision of a better, fairer, more sustainable Scotland.

The pandemic has shown everyone what really matters and what kind of country we want Scotland to be." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "We must strive to deliver a society where no-one needs worry about having a safe place to live.

Where no one needs to worry about feeding themselves and their families." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Where, as prices continue to rise and rise, no one worries about paying their heating bills during the coming cold winter.

Where employment and education are there for all." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Where we know that, if a loved one falls ill, our NHS will be there to care for them.

And where the key workers are not given the bare minimum, but are rewarded and recognised for their contribution to our society." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "We need a society that looks after its older people.

An independent Scotland must and will offer better than the poverty pensions of the UK." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "To match our world-leading ambitions to combat global Climate Change we need a just transition to a cleaner environment.

We need independence to invest in our bountiful renewable energy resources, which are the envy of Europe." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "The future of our planet depends on it – and it’s too important to be left to the Tories.

Conference, never forget what Westminster control means for Scotland." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Westminster control means the North east of Scotland is overlooked for investment in crucial carbon capture projects.

Westminster control means pork barrel politics, where cash that should come to Scotland is diverted to shore up Tory votes in England." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And only by becoming an Independent country can Scotland rid itself of Westminster control.

Conference, earlier this month the world’s eyes were on Scotland as Glasgow hosted COP26." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And the world was not slow in telling us they loved what they saw.

Through the exemplary leadership of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, we were given a tantalising preview of how the world will welcome Scotland to the top table of nations of this world." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "But to do that, and do it properly, we need so much more than the constraints of the Union.

We need our independence. Of course, I don’t need to convince you of that." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "But, working together, we must continue to win over our fellow Scots who are not convinced yet.

And we can convince them with the power of our positive vision." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "We can convince them that, in an independent Scotland, everyone’s basic needs are met as a right, and are no more at the mercy of the Westminster elite.

An elite who have trashed the UK’s global reputation." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "An elite which has presided over increasing inequality, and an utterly unbalanced economy that prioritises London and the south east of England over all other parts of the UK." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Delegates, we can do better than this. Scotland deserves better than this.

Never before in our history have so many people in Scotland joined our common cause, who now share our belief that independence is the correct future for our country." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "To all those who have recently joined the party, on behalf the whole SNP, let me say welcome and thank you.

You have joined us on the march to independence and there's much to do. Our combined goal is to continue to build sustained majority support for independence." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Coupled with the cast-iron mandate delivered in May – and another thumping triumph in the council elections this coming May – we will continue to pile the pressure on the UK Government over our legitimate demand for a referendum." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "The Johnsons and the Goves of Westminster know they can’t stand in the way of the democratic will of Scotland.

And what we know is that Boris Johnson always bows to pressure - just look at the scandalous Owen Paterson affair." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "The Prime Minister’s actions speak far louder than words.

When the Prime Minister had to choose between protecting the integrity of elected office or protecting his friend, he chose to change the rules to protect a colleague." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And when the pressure came on, he caved in and U-turned again.

Meanwhile, Scottish Tory Leader Douglas Ross claims our party is out of touch with working class communities in Scotland." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Then we learn he ‘forgot’ to declare £30,000 in earnings - a sum far greater than the average Scot earns in an entire year.

So tell us again Mr Ross, who is out of touch? Friends, the simple truth is that the Tories don’t care about Scotland." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "They don’t care about working class people, they don’t care about those whose Universal Credit they’ve cut by £20 a week.

They don’t care about those who lost their jobs when they prematurely ended furlough." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "They don’t care about those left battling an inhumane immigration system that prevents people taking jobs in businesses screaming out for workers because of the Tory Brexit obsession.

Scotland needs to escape all this." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Scotland - not Boris Johnson - must decide Scotland’s future.

Westminster will employ every underhand trick in the book to try to frustrate us, but there is no better argument than winning over the people of Scotland, whose voices will always trump Boris Johnson’s." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "To do that, we must be the best we can be.

We need to be tolerant, kind, inclusive, open, honest and engaged." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "And we need to keep doing what our leader Nicola Sturgeon has been doing so brilliantly.

Demonstrating day in and day out that we are and will be better governed if our destiny is in our own hands." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "I believe we can realise our ambitions by showing tolerance – even kindness - while holding fast to our belief that independent Scotland will flourish through the rewards of our combined endeavours." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Friends, we stand on the shoulders of giants.

It falls to us to build on the legacy of those who campaigned before us, whose efforts in building support for independence has already taken us this far." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "We must engage with the No voters of today to deliver the Yes votes of tomorrow." #SNP21

@KeithBrownSNP KB: "Believe me friends, there is an undeniable renewal of national pride blowing through Scotland.

The prize is there for the winning – it is up to us to reach out and grasp it." #SNP21