SNP conference has overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for the party to support the adoption of a code of conduct for the Yes movement.
The motion, titled “Independence principles – building our civic movement” was moved by SNP president Michael Russell and seconded by SNP MSP Karen Adam.
Russell cited the increased size of the Yes movement and wider span of organisations as a reason to have a “different organisational approach” for indyref2 from the 2014 campaign.
Adam echoed this and further stressed that the code of conduct’s aim is to protect all those in the movement. She said: “We must always uphold the right to believe what we want. This is not about belief. This is about behaviour. Not belief. Behaviour.”
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The MSP also pointed towards increasing the inclusivity of the movement. She said: “We need to say loud and clear; you are safe here.”
Josh Mennie spoke in support of the resolution and said the credibility of the campaign relies on building a strong co-operation between groups and uniting the movement with positivity, respect and engagement in good faith at the core.
However, councillor Lisa Clark and Graham McCormick from Business for Scotland both spoke against the motion - arguing it was “a piece of garbage” and that delegates were effectively voting for “nothing”.
McCormick stressed that the resolution did not include text of a code of conduct so therefore voting would be blind. He also said the party was attempting to act “superior” to the movement.
READ MORE: Scottish independence code of conduct will help media coverage, says SNP MSP
A number of independence organisations have codes of conduct in place already. The Aberdeen Independence Movement brought in and provided a code of conduct template for the wider movement as social media toxicity among independence supporters made headlines.
Additionally, 127 Yes groups have all agreed to join in and campaign under the umbrella of Believe in Scotland and have signed their code of conduct, which maintains political party neutrality.
Russell addressed the arguments against by saying: “This is a resolution to adopt a code of conduct that we are going to negotiate with the organisations working together in the Yes movement."
He added: “We are sending a message out and there’s no harm in sending a message out. The message says we want the type of campaign for independence which the world will look at and say these are the people who are determined to win. But they also know that how you win is just as important.”
McCormick summed up the direct negative which fell overwhelmingly, followed by the resolution being passed overwhelmingly.
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