Proposals to build a "dynamic and socially just economy" will be at the centre of government plans for a newly independent Scotland, according to Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking ahead of today's launch of a new prospectus paper detailing plans for the economy of an independent Scotland, the First Minister said independence would help Scotland become a fairer, wealthier and greener country.
The latest paper will set out how the powers of independence, combined with Scotland’s economic strengths and resources, can deliver a stronger economy and fairer society.
However, the UK Government said now was not the time to be talking about a new independence vote.
The plans will include proposals for Scotland to re-join the EU - a move that would enable free travel across the UK and 27 member states and make it easier to attract workers to sectors that have been hard hit by Brexit.
The paper is also expected to propose a Building a New Scotland Fund.
With infrastructure investment of up to £20billion from remaining oil revenues and responsible borrowing, the new Fund "will accelerate the transition to net zero, build resilient communities".
The paper will also address the issues of currency, fiscal sustainability, and trade.
FM says UK is 'holding Scotland back'
The plan will demonstrate no country in history has been “better prepared to become independent”, according to Ms Sturgeon.
She said: “Scotland has an abundance of skilled people, innovative businesses, and natural resources. We have everything it takes to be just as successful as comparable independent European countries.
"Our analysis from the first paper in the Building a New Scotland series shows that a dynamic economy and social justice go hand in hand. Each makes the other stronger.
“Scotland’s economy is one of the best performing in the UK – however the UK economy, particularly post-Brexit, is now lagging behind many EU and international comparators.
"The UK economic model is demonstrably failing and increasingly holding Scotland back. Independence is now essential to build an economy that works for everyone.
"The paper we are publishing today will help people make a clear, informed choice about independence and how we can forge a path towards becoming a fairer, greener, wealthier country.”
Westminster says 'Scotland benefits hugely' from UK
Her comments were dismissed by the UK Government.
It said Scottish businesses received a boost from the British market, with 60 per cent of all Scottish exports going to other parts of the UK.
“The strength of, and sharing of resources around the UK has never been more important,” a spokesman said.
He added that it was “simply not the time to be talking about another independence referendum” and that “people in Scotland benefit hugely from being part of a strong United Kingdom”.
“People in Scotland want their governments to be focused on the issues that matter to them — growing our economy, ensuring our energy security, tackling the cost of living and supporting our friends in Ukraine against Russian aggression,” he said.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, told The Times that the paper as a waste of public money “at a time when the entire focus of government should be on the cost of living crisis”.