COMMENT in The National by IFS Convener Ian Grant
It wasn’t a surprise that the SNP suffered their first major electoral setback in almost 20 years. However the catastrophic level of defeat is stunning. A turnout of only 59% shows pro-independence supporters stayed at home in droves.
The reason? The SNP has failed in its primary aim over the last 10 years. Its early achievements in government post 2007 have been wiped out post 2014 by a record of incompetence, lack of strategy and an unwillingness to listen. It has failed utterly to take hold of and use the sovereignty of the Scottish people to deliver self determination.
Post referendum, it was straight back to party politics. The failures of 2014 have yet to be properly addressed and Scots need to be united, have confidence in themselves, their politicians and their government’s ability to create a successful independent country, by having a vision and a strategy to deal with the obstacles and opportunities that arise along the way.
Now, we are in a position where Scotland’s sovereignty is not being exercised, we’re outside Europe, and have no coherent plan or vision for our nation’s future. Politically we cannot proceed as before. Scotland’s political leaders have failed. Belatedly, we now need a united and inclusive national conversation.
That is why the Independence Forum Scotland (IFS) plan to establish a National Convention on Scotland’s Future, with an initial meeting on 30 November, and subsequent meetings around Scotland 3-monthly to tackle key issues facing Scotland, including self- determination and modern governance for the country. Other key issues for the first meeting will include land reform and energy. We cannot solve the social issues affecting the country without solving key underlying factors, such as energy and the economy, and this is only achievable with independence. The aim is for the convention to be free from party political influence.
IFS is also building contacts with an ever-widening range of people and groups who are looking at all aspects of our future, including governance and economic management, and the putting in place of structures for a wholly self- governing country, ready to go when the people vote for it.
The General Election has demonstrated a disillusionment / scunner factor within the population, but also a yearning for something different. The Yes movement in all its diversity can unite to use this result to change direction, plan a new country and be the strong driving force for constitutional change at the 2026 Scottish election.
