Sturgeon: Westminister will 'turn the screw' on Scotland in No vote A No vote in the independence referendum will result in the UK Government "turning the screw" on Scotland, SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon will warn. In her speech at the party's annual conference in Perth on Friday, the MSP will state budget cuts, threatened public services and the dismantling of Scotland's social security system if the vote does not back independence. Westminster politicians from across the political parties are "itching" to abolish the Barnett formula which is used to calculate Scotland's share of the UK budget, she will tell delegates. Ms Sturgeon will state: "If we don't vote Yes, Westminster will turn the screw. The Scottish Parliament has the power to distribute money. But Westminster decides the budget. And we know this much: there are Westminster MPs in all UK parties itching to abolish the Barnett formula and cut Scotland's share of spending. Voters will be urged "not to let anyone pull the wool over their eyes" about the consequences of a No vote. She will add: "They are clear and they are real. Scotland's social security system will be dismantled. Scotland's public services and universal benefits will be under threat. Scotland's budget will be cut. Scotland can't afford a No vote. The warning shot will come on the second day of the SNP's conference, which includes a speech from Finance Secretary John Swinney and debates about privatisation of the Royal Mail, Scotland's finances, renewable energy, oil and gas, the Armed Forces and transport. A spokesman for the Better Together campaign said: "Every time a nationalist mentions their positive campaign over the next year, they should be handed these ridiculous words from Nicola Sturgeon. This takes scaremongering to a new level. It is embarrassing.