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Latest news | MP publishes strategy for independence ahead of SNP Democracy Conference

Latest news

MP publishes strategy for independence ahead of SNP Democracy Conference

Stewart McDonald, MP for Glasgow South, has today published a paper ‘A Scotland That Can Vote Yes’ ahead of the SNP’s Special Democracy Conference

The paper explores the reality facing the independence movement and highlights the magnitude of the decision to be made by the Scottish National Party in March.

The SNP MP discusses the motion published by the SNP’s National Executive Committee, highlighting issues with treating an election as a de facto referendum and suggesting an alternative for progressing the Yes movement that retains the party’s commitment to the 2014 model.

Mr McDonald argues that a de facto referendum would be ineffective as a way forward, instead encouraging his party to focus on growing support for Scottish Independence and bringing the movement closer to securing a second referendum.

Commenting, Stewart McDonald MP said:

“Over the past few months, I have spoken to countless members of the party and the wider independence movement.

“It’s no secret to say that we are experiencing testing times, faced with a government in Westminster that offends the social and economic fabric of Scotland, and divisive issues in and across our own movement. We must overcome them, and I believe we do that with an independence strategy that is sound and moves us forward.

“As our Special Democracy Conference approaches, we must find the most productive way of channeling our energy into the development of a strategy which takes us materially closer to an independent Scotland.

“That is why I believe members should embrace a strategy that will drive up support for independence, reinforce the mandate for a referendum and maintain our commitment to a legitimate process underpinned by democracy and law. This is what the public will expect of us.

“We have made it this far on our political journey because we stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, and we owe it to their legacy to ensure we get this right. It’s time to up our game.”

Also commenting, Alex Neil said:

"We need to offer a prospectus on what kind of country an independent Scotland would be and explain how we could make life much better for the Scottish people if we had the tools that independence would give us.

"If the SNP wins a majority of parliamentary seats in Scotland that mandate then becomes a demand from the Scottish people which must be fully respected.

"With the SNP victorious, Westminster will be compelled to act. In these circumstances they will succumb and offer us a second independence referendum; a referendum which we would win."

Read the full 'A Scotland That Can Vote Yes' report here.

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