Indy group proposes Citizens' Convention to break constitutional deadlock

Believe in Scotland (BiS) – a group which brings together 142 local and national Yes groups – has proposed “a new path to independence for Scotland, one that circumnavigates the unfair and completely undemocratic roadblocks set up by Westminster”.

Following approval by BiS members, the group is seeking to build support for a citizens’ assembly-style convention that would bring together people and civic groups from across the country to craft a shared vision for Scotland with a particular focus on moving towards a wellbeing economy.

A document outlining the plan states: “The Scottish Government needs to accept that an agreed referendum route to independence is closed for the immediate future.

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“Scotland needs a new path to independence and our next move needs to break the mould of constitutional political positioning.

“Believe in Scotland is proposing a new style Scottish Citizens’ Convention that will do just that.

“What is most dangerous to the Union is the year-long (at least) democratic engagement process in the lead up to a referendum vote, not just the vote itself.

“A vote tomorrow would be around 50/50, a vote after a year of engagement will deliver independence.

“We believe that Scotland can have that national conversation in a far more inclusive and productive way, ahead of a potential de facto independence referendum.

The convention would seek to set out a plan for creating a better Scotland

“The Scottish Government doesn’t need a referendum (nor Westminster’s permission) to engage the people of Scotland and it can do so in a way that creates a cultural shift, as well as an increase in ambition for, and confidence in, our nation.”

Attendees of all political stripes would be involved in the proposed convention and in crafting the vision for a better Scotland, with all political parties pressed to explain how they would deliver the final plan.

However, BiS considers “there to be zero possibility of such an ambitious plan being delivered by any other constitutional option other than full independence".

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The group adds that if the convention is prioritised by the Scottish Parliament it could take place in 2025, with initial reports being published from August 2025 through to January 2026.

This, in theory, would “open the door to using the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 2026 as a de facto referendum”.

Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, the founder of BiS, said the convention would help deal with the frustrations and fears surrounding independence. 

"Believe in Scotland doesn’t just believe in independence for its own sake but as the only credible way to deliver the better Scotland we all want to see," he said.

"A free and independent Scotland where equality, fairness, the environment, happiness, health and quality of life are all as much part of the national mission as economic growth.

"In other words, a totally different nation in terms of values to that of the UK as a whole. That’s why this proposal for a Citizens’ Convention with a goal of creating a better Scotland is seen by our membership as the best way forward.

"We think it's a unique solution for Scotland's unique constitutional issues and will circumnavigate Westminster's undemocratic roadblocks.

"Once we have truly understood the frustrations and fears and also captured the hopes, dreams and aspirations for a better Scotland from the people of Scotland, we can use that as the base for a new inspiring manifesto for independence.

"Basing the case for independence on Scotland’s wellbeing and the values and ambitions of the people of our nation – sounds pretty simple when you put it that way doesn't it."

It’s estimated that the Citizens’ Convention would cost between £2.5 and £3.5 million based off similar citizens assemblies in Ireland and Wales.