The option of a de facto referendum will be part of discussions at the SNP’s special convention on independence, the Scottish Government’s minister for independence has said.

Jamie Hepburn said the SNP would lay out the details of its approach to independence at the event on June 24, but any route would have to be legal.

The party announced the special convention will take place in Dundee, with the sole focus of “how Scotland is able to hold a legally binding independence referendum”.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday Show, Hepburn said the Scottish Government had a mandate to make the case for independence.

He said: “We will hold an SNP independence convention on the June 24 which will provide party members an opportunity to come together to discuss the road ahead, discuss what our platform will be in advance of the 2024 general election.

“I can certainly say independence will be front and centre.”

Asked if the possibility of a de facto referendum approach was still on the table, he said: “The First Minister has said that so long as it’s rightly within the parameters of a legal, electoral route no option should be taken off the table.

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