THE SNP Common Weal Group (CWG) is a force which will exist within the SNP so long as there are members who are willing to fight for change. The CWG will exist, either as an organisation or as an idea, so long as members feel like their voices aren't being heard The CWG was set up by SNP members to give a voice to the grassroots, in an attempt to counterbalance the authority of those in positions of power. Ordinary members have a voice. The CWG is amplifying that voice and representing their interests.
The CWG has three main objectives: urgency on an independence campaign led by the grassroots, democratise the internal structures of the SNP to make sure that the direction of the party is the settled will of the membership, and to advance the case for left-wing policies which can improve the material conditions of ordinary people, both within and outwith the party.
The Manifesto for Democracy is our attempt to put forward simple reforms of the internal party. Ideas which few would find disagreeable.
Party members want to see an independence campaign launched in 2021. Party members want to see a more open and transparent NEC so that they are well informed about the efficacy of their representatives. Party members want a vote on internal elections – not just the ones that can afford to pay the £30 fee to attend Conference. Party members want to have greater input in shaping party conferences. Party members want to have financial transparency. Party members want a fair and transparent complaints process.
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These are all the ideas contained within the Manifesto for Democracy, and these are all reasonable ideas which ordinary people are calling out for. The CWG is taking the opportunity to revive internal party democracy and policy debate, ensuring the SNP is ready to deliver Scottish independence.
The CWG aims to democratise the internal party structures to play a positive and enlightening role in rehabilitating grassroots members back into political action within the party. Once we energise the grassroots and open up the party up to democratic reform, we must give party members the opportunity to engage with progressive, left-wing ideas –ideas which most of them agree with.
How many more times do we need to invite Lesley Riddoch to speak to party members on land reform before we ever do anything about it? Ordinary party members believe in land reform, so the internal party structure should be set up to develop and deliver it.
There is growing support within the grassroots for a Green New Deal – a large-scale infrastructure development programme which can create a much more humanistic and regenerative economy for the future. However, to achieve that economic transition, Scotland requires natural resources and land-based industries. With Scotland's unfair pattern of land ownership, which itself creates enormous inequality, land reform is vital to drive this radical change.
The SNP's credibility with working class communities depends on the party pursuing a consistent approach which improves the material conditions of these communities. Giving the grassroots effective avenues to express their views, and democratic mechanisms to settle these debates, the party can match the needs of the emerging grassroots.
If you want to make a difference, if you want to make change happen, use the power which is in your hands. If you're a delegate and you are entitled to a vote, support the candidates which have backed the CWG's Manifesto for Democracy.
Craig Berry is the convener of SNP CWG
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