INDEPENDENCE blogger, historian, author and former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray, is leaving the SNP to join Action for Independence (AFI) with the hope of leading its challenge in the Lothians region in the Holyrood election.
The party is standing only on the regional lists in May aiming to maximise the number of Yes votes and propel an independence “supermajority” into the Scottish Parliament.
Murray said he was passionately committed to independence and we had to do all in our power to regain it.
“It is increasingly damaging to the lives of ordinary Scottish citizens to be tied to the corrupt and callous Westminster system of greed, cronyism, and exploitation of Scotland’s vast natural wealth and resources for the enrichment of the rich and powerful,” he said.
“Scotland is a nation, and we must do everything in our power to regain the independence that was so tragically sold for English gold in 1707 without common knowledge or consent.
“I am leaving the SNP to seek the privilege of leading AFI’s challenge in the Lothians region and I am convinced that AFI is serious enough, credible enough and organised enough to win seats all across Scotland that would otherwise be taken by Unionists who spend their time and energies talking down our country.”
Murray said the choice facing SNP and independence supporters was “very stark” and that giving the SNP their second vote would aid the Unionist, and not the independence cause.
The alternative of giving their second vote to AFI would, he said, ensure “the election of a team of independence advocates to hold the feet of the SNP Government to the independence fire”, with no hesitation, prevarication, or obfuscation.
“Covid-19 is not a reason to postpone independence, it is an essential step to allow Scotland to emerge from the horrible pandemic stronger, more equal and much fairer as a society,” said Murray
“Nurses and care workers are treated like muck by the Westminster Tories.
“They will be valued and respected in an independent Scotland and I believe electing AFI MSPs on the list makes independence much more likely.”
Murray paid tribute to AFI leader and former SNP MSP Dave Thompson, and others who had taken the decision to join the party.
He added: “I also now seek to represent AFI and the cause of independence and would encourage others who recognise that independence is bigger than any one party or individual to join up with AFI and pledge their second vote to them.
“Putting Scotland before party is more important than ever and that means SNP1/AFI2 in May.”
Thompson said he was pleased to welcome Murray to the party, which was a diverse organisation.
“Craig brings with him an abundance of knowledge as a civil rights activist and writer, but most notably as a former ambassador,” said Thompson.
“His intimate knowledge of the workings of politics, international relations and the UK Government, in particular, will only seek to enhance the experience and knowledge of AFI’s current line-up and to inform how we react to changing circumstances on the international stage.”
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