SNP members will be asked to support a motion calling for indyref2 legislation to be brought to Holyrood at the “earliest moment” after the pandemic, according to a leaked draft agenda for the party’s September conference.
The Telegraph reports that the draft agenda includes a motion stating legislation for a vote should come after a “clear end” to the coronavirus crisis.
A separate motion will ask members to back plans for a fresh indyref2 push in which Scots will be told self-determination is “essential” to the country’s recovery from the pandemic.
Opposition figures called other elements of the draft agenda – including proposals for a new commission on how the Scottish Border would be impacted by independence – “offensive”.
READ MORE: SNP conference to discuss new bid for state energy company post-independence
The National unveiled yesterday how the Meadows Morningside and Hawick District SNP branches put forward a motion calling for a Borders Commission to be established, with the aim of coming up with a “well-formulated and enacted” plan for the region post-independence.
Shadow Scottish secretary and Labour MP Ian Murray commented: “The idea that creating a hard border with England would be good for Scotland is offensive, and will build economic and social barriers between people at a time when we should be bringing communities together.”
Last week The National also reported on the universal Job Guarantee Programme motion – put forward by policy convener chief Chris Hanlon, and activists Kairin van Sweeden and Cameron Archibald – and a bid to debate setting up a state-owned energy company by the SNP’s Isle of Arran branch.
The SNP conference will take place between September 10 and 13, with the main policy themes set to be independence, the upcoming council elections and the climate crisis.
The draft agenda leak comes as it emerged Boris Johnson is set to visit Scotland this week.
READ MORE: Motion proposing job guarantee for every Scot to be put to SNP conference
Despite repeatedly rejecting calls for a new independence referendum, his Cabinet colleague Michael Gove yesterday offered a different tone on the matter.
He insisted the UK Government would not stand in the way of another vote on Scottish independence if it is the “settled will” of voters – despite the country voting in a pro-independence Holyrood majority just months ago.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford MP said: “It should not be news that the Tories are finally waking up to the fact that the people of Scotland have expressed their democratic wishes in an election that they want their future to be put into their hands.”
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