Scottish independence convention would bring 'energy' back to movement that's become 'too abstract'

Daily Record

21-04-2025

Ash Regan warned that for many Scots the idea of ending the Union was "drifting into an abstract concept".
A summit on how to make Scottish independence a reality would help inject "energy" back into the campaign, an Alba MSP has said.
Ash Regan warned that for many Scots the idea of ending the Union was "drifting into an abstract concept".
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John Swinney last week insisted "the time is right" for independence despite fears of a global recession sparked by Donald Trump's trade war.
It comes as the First Minister will this week host a summit of political and civic leaders to discuss how to "lock-out" the far-right from Scottish politics.
The event is a reaction to the rise in support for Reform across the UK, with polls suggesting Nigel Farage's party will make a substantial breakthrough at next year's Holyrood election.
But Regan, who will attend the summit, said voters should be inspired by independence as an alternative to the UK's economic woes.
She also took a swipe at the Scottish Conservatives for choosing to boycott the event.
The Alba MSP said: "We are close to only one year out from the Scottish elections, but for too many independence is drifting into an abstract concept.
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"I will be attending the First Minister's summit on Wednesday - as unlike the Tories I think it's important to be in the room, instead of harping on about grievances outside the room.
"However, it isn't a summit aimed at locking Reform out of Scottish politics that we need. It is time for the Scottish Government, and Holyrood, to seize the political initiative on independence.
"An independence convention should be called this summer. It would bring energy back to the movement and allow for the constitutional imperative of independence to be reconnected to the economic necessity of delivering it as an immediate priority.
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"With independence we would have control over our own resources to address people's concerns about the lack of investment in public services and the lack of support with their cost of living.
"Importantly, with independence we would have control over our own borders and immigration. That means that we would have an immigration system that suits the needs of Scotland and not a one size fits all model imposed upon us by London.
"The Scottish Government must signal that they are serious about taking Scotland forward to independence and bringing together representatives of civic society and Scotland's parliamentarians for a summit on independence is the way to show intent."
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An SNP spokesman said: "The SNP is the party of independence.
"We are focussed on delivering for people across the country and making the case for taking decisions in Scotland for Scotland with independence."
Russell Findlay, the Scots Tory leader, last week said he would not attend an "anti-right wing" summit being held by the First Minister.
He claimed the event was "not required" and accused John Swinney of using the meeting to "deflect from the SNP's dismal record".