Nicola Sturgeon: Not in SNP's interest to rush into another Independence referendum

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she will not be rushing to hold another referendum if it's against voters wishes, but warned David Cameron further cuts could see support for independence increase.

The SNP has gained 90,000 members in the last year despite last September's referendum result, which saw voters reject independence by 55% to 45%.

With support for the SNP continuing to grow, there has been constant speculation about when a new vote on the issue could take place.

But Sturgeon told ITV News she would not be rushing to another referendum if it wasn't what people in Scotland wanted.

She said: "SNP members know that it's not in our interest to rush to another referendum if it's not what people in Scotland want because we wouldn't win it and I know this is my view and I'm pretty sure it's the view of most SNP members.

"I don't want ever to be part of a losing referendum campaign again."

But speaking at the conference in Aberdeen, she said: "Over the next few years, as the Tories impose even deeper cuts, press ahead with Trident renewal and fail to honour in full the vow of more powers for our Parliament, I think support for independence will continue to rise.

"So let me also be clear about this. If there is strong and consistent evidence that people have changed their minds and that independence has become the choice of a clear majority in this country, then we have no right to rule out a referendum and we won't do that either.

"No one has the right to stand in the way of democracy."

Watch ITV News Correspondent Martin Geissler full video report: