STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

THE SNP annual conference kicks off in Glasgow tomorrow with thousands of members arriving for the three day event.

Lord Provost, Eva Bolander, will welcome the guests to the city and First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will close the event with the leaders’ speech on Tuesday.

The conference, at the SEC, will hear from other cabinet ministers including Deputy First Minister, John Swinney and Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay.

The ongoing UK negotiations between the UK and EU over Brexit will feature across the conference.

The first motion members will debate is on protecting the benefits of the European Union with Brexit minister Michael Russell proposing that the SNP: “Recognises the benefits that membership of the Single Market has brought our economy and businesses; welcomes the contribution made by EU Nationals who have done Scotland the honour of making our country their home and once again extends the hand of friendship to all those who come here to build a more progressive and prosperous nation.”

Other motion topics include benefit changes, 16 and 17 year-olds serving in the armed forces and ending the public sector pay cap.

Glasgow South MP, Stewart McDonald, has a motion calling or support for his bill to end unpaid work trial shifts.

A motion by Mr McDonald states: “Current practices are contributing to over £1.2 billion in missing wages each year and passing such legislation will help secure an economy where everyone can get on in Scotland.”

It the first in Glasgow since the party took over power at the city council. Ms Sturgeon said: “Less than six months ago, the SNP took control of Glasgow City Council for the first time ever.

“Our new SNP administration is showing imagination, boldness and ambition in its leadership, and is already delivering progress for this city.”

It will also be the first SNP conference since the SNP lost 21 seats in the General Election leading to Nicola Sturgeon to put plans for a second referendum on hold.

Ms Sturgeon added: “Our programme for government will shape the kind of Scotland we all seek, an inclusive, fair, prosperous and innovative country, ready and willing to embrace the future.”