The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced plans to hold a special convention this summer to discuss the possibility of an SNP referendum and restore an essential policymaking body. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) revealed details of the conference, which will take place on June 24 at Caird Hall in Dundee. In addition to discussing the potential for a referendum, the NEC also agreed to reinstate the National Council, which was abolished in 2018. The hope is that the convention will guide the SNP’s push for independence and help the party determine its next steps.
Overall, the convention is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the SNP’s strategy regarding Scottish independence. By restoring the National Council and focusing on the potential for an SNP-led referendum, the party hopes to gain momentum and build support for its cause.
SNP announces Independence Convention in Dundee to break deadlock on Scottish independence
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced that it will host an independence convention in Dundee next month after postponing the event initially planned for March at Caird Hall due to Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as first minister and the subsequent need for a new leader. The convention addresses the constitutional question and breaks the deadlock surrounding discussions on Scottish independence. Deputy party leader Keith Brown has stated that SNP members attending the convention will prioritise securing a legally binding referendum. However, little information about the convention is available despite its importance. It is hoped that the gathering will lead to specific decisions being made, though the extent to which this will occur remains uncertain.
The “independence convention” is essentially a rebranding of the special SNP independence conference scheduled after the indyref2 Supreme Court defeat, ultimately cancelled because of Sturgeon’s resignation. Suggestions have been made that attendees may agree upon strategies, such as refining the party’s message on independence or drafting a list similar to the Government’s “five pledges,” linking issues like living costs to freedom. Rumours suggest that senior members of the SNP will soon convene to discuss convention details, including its format and schedule. Despite the present uncertainty, the party remains optimistic about the potential for fruitful discussions on Scottish independence during the convention.
Independence ‘off the agenda’ if SNP loses the election
If the SNP does not win the next General Election, independence will not be on the agenda. Toni Giugliano believes that the upcoming UK-wide ballot is a crucial moment for the party and that the independence convention in Dundee should provide space for discussion. However, the party will only negotiate independence if they are in Government. Giugliano advocates for a Yes campaign to build support for independence, emphasising the need for collective argumentation. The party’s policy convener sees the convention as an opportunity to strengthen internal democracy, allowing members to influence policy and scrutinise leadership. The party’s annual conference will occur in Aberdeen from October 15-17.
Various perspectives and what will the event look like?
Bill Ramsay, chairman of the SNP trade union group and its NEC representative, stated that the committee has yet to determine the structures for the special meeting, also known as standing orders. Ramsay believes party members should be allowed to hear various views on independence strategy during the conference. He suggests that, at this stage, the discussion should remain open-ended to encompass a broad range of ideas. However, he advises against making formal decisions, leaving it for the entire conference in October. While some within the party may agree with his stance, the extent of the agreement is unknown.
The conference is expected to adopt specific measures, such as releasing promotional materials advocating independence. One SNP MP criticised the Scottish Government’s publication of academic white papers, urging them to focus on campaigning instead. The June conference will allow members and politicians to express their frustration with the UK’s resistance to indyref2, but its impact may be limited. As a gathering for SNP members only, the Alba Party criticised the conference’s lack of cross-party support, arguing that any independence convention must involve all political parties and the general public. Given the event’s brevity, it is improbable that the party will devise a comprehensive strategy for securing an indyref2 vote.
SNP to hold special convention on referendum and policy-making body restoration
A special Indy convention will be held to discuss a referendum held by the SNP this summer, along with a critical policymaking body restored. On Saturday, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) announced details of the conference, which will take place at Caird Hall in Dundee on June 24. Additionally, it was decided that the National Council – abolished in 2018 – would be reinstated, with the first session scheduled for August. In general, it would be an opportunity for the SNP to decide on a way forward on the constitutional question. Is the de facto strategy a goer (both Ash Regan and Pete Wishart think it should be explored)?
To win a hung parliament next year, the party must fight to permanently give the Scottish Government the power to hold constitutional referendums. However, some in the party feel that Labour may be weaker if Keir Starmer wins the Scottish mandate without gaining an SNP mandate, leaving it susceptible to influence from the SNP.
This conference will give the Scottish National Party an idea of the path it wishes to pursue in its push for independence, even though it remains within it. As a result, the constitutional question, which has been in a coma since November, will make some slight progress.