IN a recent letter I indicated the imperative for a sustained strategy to kickstart not only the independence agenda but the harnessing of the might of the Yes movement, and it is clear a demand for this is now being voiced in many quarters, from not only committed independence activists but also well-respected pundits and experts, of which there are many.
I am not a supporter of ex-SNP politicians Kenny MacAskill and Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh but I must admit that their recent articles in The National and the actions they say should be put into immediate effect attracted my attention.
Mr MacAskill’s appeal for an “independence strategy and coordination of the Yes movement outwith parliament”; and statement that “Yes groups and the wider Yes movement must coordinate a strategy” not only struck a chord with me and I am sure many others but echo proposals which I have previously suggested are extremely urgent.
READ MORE: Kenny MacAskill: This is why the Yes movement is in desperate need of a summit
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh’s issues “warnings” after the recent Panelbase poll found support for independence at around 48% (leaving out the undecided). Such a figure, not so long ago, would have been very welcome indeed, but with the positive string of pre-election polls reaching a dizzy 58% it is now seen as the start of a downward trend. The media supporters of the Union now tell us that despite an independence majority in Holyrood it is the beginning of the end for Scottish independence and a justification for “no to Section 30”. Well they would say that, wouldn’t they!
However, when John Curtice suggests that the poll reflects “cooling of the independence ardour” then all Yes supporters need to sit up and take note.
Both ex-SNP politicians do of course “have a go” at the SNP and its hierarchy, suggesting that complacency and inertia have set in and settling comfortably into their five-year term of tenure is more important than a vigorous pursuance of independence. Well these Alba politicians would say that, wouldn’t they!
READ MORE: SNP dithering on indy is threatening to destroy the legacy of 2014
However, as the SNP faithful in the summer of 2021 look around after a great election victory, where is the fervour for implementing our mandate and pursuing the independence majority in the Holyrood parliament? Well, after careful consideration and without hesitation, the momentum sits presently with the SNP faithful. It rests with the foot soldiers, the activists, the membership and the army of Yes grassroots supporters ready to “get going!”
Unfortunately, this energy is NOT reflected at the strategic levels of the SNP. I get no energy, drive, leadership or open discussion of the way forward. The SNP politicians both at Holyrood and Westminster operate within their own “bubbles”. Of course, they have the needs of their constituents to address, but where are their voices on the drive to independence? Where is the strategy for our MPS, on a daily basis, to ensure that cries for Scottish independence are “seen” and not just heard?
Daily, Scotland is belittled and derided by the Tory right Unionists. Where is the “fightback strategy”, where have the radicals gone? Our MPs seemed to have taken on hook, line and sinker the Westminster “gobbledegook” and farcical customs and traditions. At Holyrood much of the discussion on Scottish independence comes from the opposition and not the SNP and Greens.
Can the independence majority be far more bolder in pursuing the advantages of independence everyday and at every opportunity? Remember the big slogan now and into the future: “NO RECOVERY WITHOUT INDEPENDENCE”. To date the SNP leadership have created an independence unit with Mike Russell as its political director. How proactive, how dynamic, how representative and democratic and how “urgent” will this unit be? Will it take the battle to the Unionists, or will it be reactive? I wait with baited breath.
Now is NOT the time for the SNP membership to be compliant and complacent. Their voices must be heard, and those of the Yes movement. Forward together for independence.
Dan Wood
Kirriemuir
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