THERE’S been a lot of discussion recently about the new Citizens’ Convention proposed by Believe in Scotland (BiS).
The group recently proposed a convention as a way to circumnavigate “the unfair and completely undemocratic roadblocks set up by Westminster”.
The idea is to take independence away from political parties and into the hands of the people who lead the movement on the ground, with the hopes that it could lead to a de facto referendum in the Holyrood 2026 election.
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It’s led to much debate around whether a Citizens’ Convention is the most effective way forward for the independence movement.
Tommy Sheppard (below) criticised the proposal, writing in The National that the first step to independence must instead be to “challenge and change the British constitution so that Scotland’s right to choose its own future is enshrined”.
And on social media it’s opened a whole new can of worms, with concerns raised that it clashes against another convention organised by Independence Forum Scotland (IFS) on November 30 – St Andrew’s Day.
It’s important to clarify that the two conventions are separate and have separate aims: Whilst the IFS convention is set to explore Scotland’s right to self-determination, BiS hopes the Citizens’ Convention will essentially map out what the people of Scotland want to see in an independent country. It is not intended to be a constitutional convention.
BiS is not planning on organising or holding the Citizens’ Convention, but is instead calling on the Scottish Government to launch it.
But what do Yessers think?
‘Any pathway that brings groups together as one has to be a good thing’
One National reader said: “The strategy that the SNP has run since 2016 has to change and therefore any pathway that moves things on or brings groups together as one has to be a good thing.
“There are many thinkers and doers out there that could make a valid contribution.”
But another tells me they think that it’s not such a good idea, and that BiS should focus on working with other groups in the movement.
READ MORE: LETTERS: Why now IS the right time for a citizens’ convention
“Work co-operatively with All Under One Banner (AUOB), Salvo and Yes movement and indy parties (even without SNP).
“Let Salvo do UN route. Work to promote and support SSRG [Scottish Sovereignty Research Group].
“Continue to do marketing and leave citizens’ assemblies for others."
Criticism about the convention has been rebuked on social media by BiS founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp (below).
He argued that BiS’ proposals are in no way intended to clash with the IFS convention, writing: “Prior to launching our proposal I met with one of the founders of IFS and we agreed that there was no real similarity other than the use of the word convention.
“I hope the IFS meeting is a great success. The more people looking to break the constitutional deadlock in different ways the better. Should the Citizens’ Convention go ahead it would want to receive ideas from the IFS Convention.”
MacIntyre-Kemp also responded to Sheppard’s criticism, saying that it “worringly signals, along with statements made by other senior SNP figures, that they have no idea why they just lost so heavily in the General Election”.
So, what happens next? The ball appears to be in the Scottish Government’s court.
As for the grassroots movement, the rest of the year’s activities are starting to fall into place.
The Scottish Currency Group have announced their next conference will take place in Dunfermline on September 21 and 22.
It’s an opportunity for independence activists to come together with discussions, workshops and networking opportunities focused on all things related to Scottish currency.
You can get your tickets here.
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