THE SNP have pledged to run annual Citizens’ Assemblies to discuss “complex” issues such as assisted dying, drug laws and reform of council tax.
The meetings would also be held ahead of an independence referendum to discuss the development of policies in areas which are currently reserved, such as social security, taxation and migration.
An assembly would be set up for those under the age of 16 with the aim of better representation for young people across the country and local assemblies will also be encouraged.
Scotland’s first Citizens’ Assembly was announced by Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP conference in 2019.
At the time she said she was inspired by the example of Ireland, which set up this type of discussion to reach consensus on controversial issues, including abortion.
Announcing the pledge to hold the assemblies if re-elected, SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “Scotland’s first Citizens’ Assembly – established by the SNP – is proof that it is possible to do ‘politics differently’ in Scotland.
“After the great successes of the first Citizens’ Assembly and the Climate Assembly, if re-elected in May, we will run annual Citizens’ Assemblies to look at the complex issues facing Scotland.
“We believe that the people of Scotland should be at the very heart of decision making and involved in the major changes affecting their lives. It is for the people of Scotland to decide the kind of country we want to be.
“It is also vital that the voices of Scotland’s future be heard, which is why we will establish a Citizens’ Assembly for those under the age of 16. This will ensure better representation for young people and children across the country.”
He added: “Politicians do not have all the answers and people’s voices need to be heard – especially young people.
“Only with both votes SNP on May 6 can we ensure those voices are heard and put Scotland’s future and recovery in Scotland’s hands – not Boris Johnson’s.”
More than 100 members of the public took part in a series of discussion events as part of Scotland’s first Citizens’ Assembly.
They were asked to consider questions around the type of country which should be built, how to overcome challenges such as those arising from Brexit and what work should be carried out to help people make informed choices about the future of the country.
In January this year it published 60 recommendations aimed at improving how the country is run, with the Scottish Government saying it would produce an action plan in response.
The recommendations included exploring the idea of a standard four-day working week, pushing for the abolition of zero-hour contracts, and establishing an anti-poverty task force in every council area.
Other suggestions included lowering the state pension age, increasing the National Minimum Wage for young people aged 18-24 to a National Living Wage and having permanent mental health liaison officers in every school.
Scotland should become the first in the world to ban the unnecessary use of non-biodegradable products, the report said, with the Government also urged to invest more in new industries such as green energy, science and technology.
When it was first announced, the Scottish Conservatives branded the assembly as an “SNP vanity project”, claiming it would be “nothing but a talking shop for independence”.
However, the final report did not include any views on whether independence would be good for the country.
Speaking after the launch of the recommendations, convener Kate Wimpress said the assembly showed Scotland was “at the forefront of democratic innovation”
She added: “This is not a box ticked, or a full stop, but a beginning, opening up a new chapter in our democracy with citizens at its heart.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel