What should the SNP do now to progress independence?

Primary Author or Creator:
Tommy Sheppard
Publisher:
The National
Date Published:
Alternative Published Date
2026
Category:
Type of Resource:
Article
Fast Facts

If your principal concern was the integrity of the Union, what would you want the SNP to do now?  Then don't do it!

More details

We should start by not confusing parliamentary arithmetic with popular support. 

First the SNP need to embrace the opportunity to lead a political plurality both inside and outside Parliament.

Central to this is continuing to explain with ever-increasing vigour exactly how political control over our own resources makes things better.

Secondly, we need to demand the losers’ consent. They lost. They need to accept that.  And they need to be relentlessly pursued to answer how people in Scotland can express a view on their constitutional future if not by giving new powers to the Scottish Parliament.

Thirdly, we need to show that even within the constraints of devolution we can govern with confidence and competence.

Fourthly, while history is made by those who turn up, the speed of progress is driven by how many turn up. Which takes us back to the need to build and extend public engagement and support among those who sat at home last week.

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