SNP urged to launch summer assembly to give members say on independence prospectus

The call has been made by SNP policy development convener Toni Giugliano, who said it was vital the wider party was given the chance to scrutinise the papers, which are due to be published shortly.

He has written to the SNP depute leader Keith Brown calling for the assembly to take place.

It comes after an independence seminar was held last Wednesday examining issues around the economy, with topics discussed including Scotland’s economic strength, energy, Brexit, the deficit, a Scottish currency, and wellbeing indicators.

The speakers included Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp of campaign group Believe in Scotland, MP Alison Thewliss, and MSP Karen Adam.

Giugliano said: “There’s no reason whatsoever why Scotland couldn’t emulate the success of independent countries of our size which are far wealthier per head than the UK.

“As an independent country in the EU, free from the damage of Brexit, Scotland would be part of a Single Market seven times the UK.”

Writing in the Sunday National last week, the chair of the SNP’s Sustainable Growth Commission Andrew Wilson outlined why he believes it is still relevant four years on.

However, Giugliano said he did not think it was helpful to “rehabilitate” a report that was written before the pandemic, climate emergency and a hard Brexit.

“Andrew Wilson made an important contribution to the debate on Scottish independence; however the world has changed substantially since, and we need a blueprint that speaks to the current reality,” he said.

“I’ve written to the depute leader urging him to convene a National Assembly so that party members can scrutinise and have their say on the independence papers that are due to be published this summer.

“Independence is a political proposition – so while the work of the civil service is vital, the party and its members must equally be consulted.”

Giugliano argued there was a need for a refreshed paper which takes into account not just Scotland’s economy after independence, but also the wellbeing of its people.

“When you’re painting a vision for a newly independent nation you can’t simply detach the fiscal and economic proposition from the social and environmental – they are two sides of the same coin,” he said.

“The Growth Commission went too much down the road of fiscal responsibility. Actually, we want independence to improve wellbeing, quality of life and lift people out of poverty.”

He added: “That’s why the independence seminar I organised earlier this week on Scotland’s economic potential was entitled ‘Prosperity and Wellbeing’.

READ MORE: Tory councillor mocked for saying no major Glasgow jubilee celebrations is 'shameful'

“I certainly hope the Scottish Government’s papers take a more holistic approach.

“Frankly any new economic model should be informed not only by the voice of business and the private sector but also civic Scotland, the third sector and trade unions.”

Giugliano also commented on the issue of an independent Scottish currency, saying it would be for the government of the day to decide when to transition to it.

“Trying to impose a timescale to rush that transition – or indeed stringent tests that may never be met – are both unhelpful,” he added.

An SNP spokesperson said: “The SNP Scottish Government is looking forward to publishing an updated prospectus for an independent Scotland shortly which will outline the opportunities independence offers for our future and which will stimulate informed debate to take place right across the country.

“However, it is key that this prospectus allows the movement to discuss the immense opportunities of independence with the country as a whole ­– it must not be naval gazing amongst those already convinced.

“The SNP has well-established processes for its policy development and the party is also considering the most appropriate way for a national forum to be held where ideas can be discussed.”