SNP conference: Yes figures weigh-in on independence debate

Time will tell how independence activists feel about the SNP backing an independence strategy based on the party winning a majority of seats at the next General Election, however, well-known figures in the independence movement have already started reacting to the news.

Here's what they had to say.

Lesley Riddoch

Broadcaster and National columnist Riddoch said: “This debate has been full, occasionally funny, and passionate – the frankest exchange within the SNP since the Nato debate 11 years ago.

“Conference was perhaps most swayed by Tommy Sheppard MP who said the next General Election won’t be a de facto referendum and the SNP should extract specific demands in it and head for the 2026 Holyrood election for the real indy vote.

“But speakers who made the case for a majority of the vote to express Scotland’s sovereign will were powerful and persuasive.

“The outcome is a boost for Humza Yousaf’s leadership – though how it’ll be portrayed by MSM, fa kens.”

Gerry Hassan

Writer and commentator Hassan reacted to the news the strategy had been decided: “It is in my honest opinion a terrible mess of a position. And just treading water, nationalists talking to themselves, to the exclusion of serious work on party, government and independence. And a gift to Labour.

Cameron Archibald

A public policy analyst and campaigner with Common Weal, Archibald said: "The SNP dropping the 'de facto referendum' strategy is good. But the proposed alternative is totally useless. Westminster will just say no, so even trying to begin any negotiation is a waste of time. I'm more interested in building a national campaign and increasing indy support.

"No amount of seats, from gaining absolutely zero to winning every single seat in Scotland, means anything if we can't build momentum and increase support. Focus on a campaign and have it focus on why indy solves the cost of living crisis enabled by the Tories.

"The new SNP proposal does include a campaign, but unless it's fully resourced, staffed and active every week then frankly it's not really a campaign. But let's see what happens."

Ash Regan

The former leadership candidate said: “The people of Scotland have a standing right to express their will for #independence at every democratic opportunity. Using the total number of seats and postponing this vital opportunity until 2026 is disappointing.

“I’m pleased to see the formal establishment of an Independence Convention, which must be a democratic platform across the independence movement.”

Chris McEleny

The Alba general secretary reshared former SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil’s resolution from 2020, writing: “Rather odd listening to today’s independence debate to think that this was booed out of the conference four years ago.”

The motion stated: “Conference instructs that if a referendum is denied by the UK Government and the competence to hold a consultative referendum is not established, then the manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections shall state that the election of a pro-independence majority, in the absence of a referendum, shall be a mandate from the people of Scotland to commence independence negotiations with the UK Government.”

McEleny earlier said: “SNP Conference is basically lots of people arguing things will happen that they said wouldn’t happen in 2019 and that lots of things won’t happen that they said would happen in 2019.

“The no ifs, no buts referendum in October 2023 is now to be Both Votes SNP in 2026. Long grass.”

Angus Brendan MacNeil

MacNeil replied to McEleny’s tweet, writing: “I did write before the 2021 election that the 2026 election might be the 2021 election for slow learners.”