PLANS have been unveiled for the next All Under One Banner (AUOB) march for Scottish independence, which is set to be held in the coming weeks.
The march will feature speakers from the SNP, which says it aims to line up appearances from party figures at "every possible" Yes event going forward.
As the UK faces a cost of living crisis with inflation rising, taxes going up and energy bills set to skyrocket, AUOB said it’s time to show that these problems are “consequences of Scotland being tied to the British state”.
The campaigners, who take their marches and rallies for independence across the country, have chosen Paisley as a location as areas within the town will be disproportionately hit by cost of living difficulties.
A previous AUOB march for independence
Two of the most deprived places in Scotland, according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, lie in the Ferguslie Park area – where the march will be kicking off on March 5.
The official title of the event will be “March for Independence – Make Poverty History”.
SNP MSP George Adam is due to address crowds on the day, as well as a councillor from the party. Other speakers are yet to be confirmed.
AUOB's Neil Mackay said: "We are seeking to engage with all pro-indy political parties and organisations about having speakers at the demonstrations we hold.
"It's good to see that the SNP are committed to having speakers at every AUOB rally being held ongoing now.
"There is a clear commitment to a referendum taking place next year in Scotland, and we're only going to win that if we are one Yes movement, so let's get ready.
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"It also shows that the SNP sees the strength and necessity of street level activism and demonstration, which for winning independence will be required bigtime over the coming period. So let's really get together with this now. Now's the day and now's the hour."
The SNP's Stewart Hosie MP said the party had been reaching out to the wider independence movement and "plan to provide SNP speakers at every possible event".
The Paisley march will begin at Ferguslie Gardens at 12.30pm and take the following route: Ferguslie Main Road, Broomlands Street, Wellmeadow Street, Lady Lane, George Street, Causeyside Street, St Mirren Street, High Street, Wellmeadow Street, Broomlands Street, Ferguslie Main Road, before returning back to Ferguslie Gardens.
It comes after AUOB hosted an “emergency rally” to protest Boris Johnson and call for his resignation last month.
Hundreds of activists marched through Glasgow after the Prime Minister was hit by allegations of Covid rule-breaking parties in Downing Street.
That march was addressed by SNP MP Stephen Flynn, who represents Aberdeen South, as well as Alba MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Neale Hanvey.
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