SNP candidates are being urged to sign up to a pledge to work towards a “resilient independent Scotland” if elected to Holyrood next year.

A campaign has been launched by the SNP Common Weal Group (CWG) to encourage those bidding to stand as MSPs for the party to back goals such as a Green New Deal, a National Care Service, land reform and public ownership of key services.

The pledge states: “Independence is closer than ever. That’s why the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections are crucial. We need to elect SNP MSPs who are committed to delivering independence and building a better future for Scotland that puts all of us first.

“After the virus we must build a Resilient Scotland, one which is able not only to withstand the economic, environmental and social disruptions we will face in the future but which is capable of providing good lives for the people of Scotland every day.

“The 2021 Scottish Parliament election is an opportunity for the SNP to make the positive case for independence based on the progressive ideas and principles we share with the wider Yes movement.”

So far, 20 SNP CWG members and supporters have supported the statement, which is being opened up today to all those running to be selected as SNP candidates.

The names so far include Stuart McMillan MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, councillor Graham Campbell, councillor Chris McEleny, campaigner and “Glasgow Girl” Roza Salih and Catriona MacDonald, who stood in last year’s General Election.

Craig Berry, the SNP CWG convener, said: “Scotland faces a number of crises which have been exacerbated by our unequal and unsustainable economy. Change must happen and we need people with the ideas for change to be front and centre in any plan to rebuild a fairer, sustainable and resilient economy.

“We have launched our candidate selection pledge to ensure that SNP members can have the confidence in knowing which candidates are committed to delivering independence and building a better future for Scotland that puts all of us first.

“We need to deliver a resilient economy which can withstand economic, environmental and social disruption. We need to deliver rapid progress towards independence.

“With this pledge, you will know which candidates back a resilient independent Scotland.”