Why do the SNP refuse to engage with the Yes movement?
ISN’T is strange that when you express a view on Scottish independence that doesn’t adhere to the SNP line (whatever it may be) that some diehard party members immediately launch a torrent of criticism, accusing you of being disloyal, not a ‘true’ indy supporter, a troll, or worse?
I’d have thought that after recent events in the party (on which I needn’t go into detail) they’d be slightly more circumspect and willing to welcome people into what should a broad church.
But no – if you’re not an SNP supporter you’re an outcast, which is a great shame.
I was working at the post-referendum SNP conference in Perth and had a lengthy chat with the late Gordon Wilson, my former MP and the party leader from 1979-1990.
During our conversation Gordon reflected on the huge upsurge in SNP membership following the indyref, but warned that party leaders would have to manage their expectations, as well as those of the wider body of Yes supporters who were not SNP members.
The party seemed to agree – at least off the record – but their statements proved to be weasel words. They never intended to give voice to people who were not members; they didn’t (still don’t) want to encourage debate on the way forward for an indy Scotland; and they want (and still do) govern by diktat.
In the years since, nothing has changed in the party. At the weekend, while Humza Yousaf was extolling the virtues of his latest plan for indy – that an SNP majority of Scottish MPs at the next general election would be a mandate for it – over 5000 Yes supporters walked through the streets of Stirling to Bannockburn in a call for action now.
Yousaf’s pledge is no different from any of the previous electoral mandates the SNP have had and have squandered.
To have any chance of living up to what their party stands for (Scottish independence) they must embrace the entire Yes movement – and yes that includes Alba, however distasteful the SNP hierarchy view the prospect.
With Labour expected to have a decent shot at re-establishing at least some of their previous standing in Scotland, the alternative to real action from the SNP will be electoral oblivion.
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