A second referendum on Scottish independence has the potential to bring about positive change for the country’s future. Independence would empower the Scottish people to shape their destiny. The current strategies employed by SNP leaders may require further refinement as progress towards this goal has been limited. Nevertheless, achieving Scottish independence will demand persistence and nationwide unity. If the leaders and people of Scotland remain steadfast in their pursuit of this objective, the second independence referendum could be successful.
Lack of progress in SNP
Gerry Hassan, in an article titled “How and Why of a Plan for Scottish Self-Determination”, published in The National, highlights the current state of the second Scottish Independence Referendum. Hassan points out that there needs to be more progress, detail, and motion towards this goal, revealing a significant absence of movement on both in organisational and agency fronts. This transitional period has brought to light shortcomings within the SNP, specifically in how it understands politics, democracy, and power, leading to a lack of progress towards independence. In essence, the SNP needs to see itself as part of a broader movement, resulting in shortcomings in government and independence.
Humza Yousaf and Scottish Independence
Recent reports by the BBC and The National suggest that Scotland’s new SNP leader and First Minister, Humza Yousaf, focuses on building a solid case for independence rather than pushing for an immediate vote, which will likely be rejected. Yousaf aims to secure a consistent majority in favour of independence by demonstrating that it is the firm will of Scottish voters. As part of this effort, Yousaf emphasises the economic benefits of Scottish independence, which has traditionally been challenging for the pro-independence movement to convince sceptics. He believes there is no better time than now for Scotland to seize the opportunities of freedom and escape from Westminster’s cruel policies that have caused damage to Scotland. Yousaf asserts that the SNP is the only party willing to defend devolution and stand up for Scotland’s interests.
Scottish Independence in Need of Persistence
The opponents of Scotland’s independence movement are attempting to weaken the signal. The New York Times reports that support for Scottish independence has dipped. It adds that, however, support for Scotland remaining part of the UK is weak, too. Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest leaves the fate of the movement in flux. For almost a decade, Ms Sturgeon was the uncontested leader of the movement to break Scotland’s union with England. She resigned earlier this year and was arrested over an investigation into her Scottish National Party’s finances. These two issues leave the fate of the movement in flux.
Scottish independence requires a broad movement from all people in Scotland. As the National reports, Pat Kelly refers to the importance of unity and persistence in success. He says the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly (CSA) “showed what a few dogged, determined people can achieve if persistent .” The aim of CSA was “the creation of a directly elected legislative Assembly or Parliament for Scotland with such powers as may be desired by the people of Scotland.”
Westminster government: Barrier to Scottish independence
As it says in Daily Record, the Scottish parliament can hold a referendum on a devolved matter. However, the Westminster government must challenge it if it passes a law to hold an independence vote. Other interested parties could launch a legal challenge too, but the issue will quickly end up in the Supreme Court.
Britain’s Supreme Court deprives Scotland of independence rights. However, with a nationwide movement people of Scotland can achieve their goal of independence. As it says in the Economist, the union between Scotland and England started in 1707. More recently, Scotland has grown restive. Separatists were strong enough to hold a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014. However, they needed to be more robust to win it. The people of Scotland rejected independence by a vote of 55% to 45%.
When Britain left the European Union (EU), the situation changed. Scotland doesn’t like to leave the EU. Thus Scotland prefers to achieve independence and join the EU. However, Britain’s Supreme Court has ruled that Scotland cannot hold a second independence referendum without the British government’s agreement.
Scottish Independence: Nationwide Movement
According to reports by the National, Jack Brand, a prominent Strathclyde University academic, played a pivotal role in the formation of the CSA (Campaign for a Scottish Assembly). Brand also authored a comprehensive study on self-government titled “The National Movement in Scotland,” providing valuable insights into the cultural and political context underlying the rise of the SNP in the 1960s and 1970s. When the CSA was launched, Brand emphasized that it was not a political party but rather a movement for Scotland. Today, such a movement has the potential to drive progress towards self-determination and independence in a systematic manner.
To overcome the challenges and achieve independence, it is crucial for the people and leaders of Scotland to come together in a nationwide movement. Scottish independence is essential for addressing the cost of living crisis, building a fairer economy, and securing a brighter future for all.