A DETERMINED campaign of “civic action, parliamentary intervention and diplomatic initiative” will be needed to secure an independence referendum, former first minister Alex Salmond has said.
The Alba leader has urged the SNP and Greens to set out a plan of action and demonstrate “clarity of vision” over the drive for a vote to be held next year.
His comments come as the First Minister prepares to outline her plans this week to hold a second referendum without the approval of the UK Government.
Nicola Sturgeon will set out the “route map” to indyref2 in a statement at Holyrood, with the aim of holding a vote in October 2023.
Earlier this month, she said the ballot will go ahead “with or without” a Section 30 order being granted by Westminster, with Boris Johnson rejecting handing over the powers that would allow a referendum to be held.
Salmond – who oversaw the SNP’s previous independence campaign in 2014 – has now urged Sturgeon to lead a campaign of civic action.
In an address to Alba members at the party’s national council in Stirling today, he is expected to say: “The SNP Government are committed to a referendum in October next year – ‘no ifs, no buts’ – but will require clarity of vision if they are to fulfil that commitment to Scotland.”
He called for a convention to put forward the new case for independence which would include all Yes groups and those outwith the Government.
“The SNP/Green coalition has become accident-prone, and the argument for independence is far more important that the temporary popularity of any political party,” members will hear.
He has urged Sturgeon not to refer to a Section 30 order as the “gold standard” approach to independence.
Salmond agreed the order allowed the 2014 vote to go ahead, but said there are a number of other ways to give “democratic substance to Scotland’s national right to self-determination”.
The Alba leader will also stress the importance of all pro-independence groups collaborating to secure a Yes vote at the time when Boris Johnson is “bruised”.
It comes after the Conservatives last week faced a double by-election defeat – Wakefield and Tiverton and Honiton in Devon – prompting the resignation of party chairman Oliver Dowden.
The Prime Minster has faced a tumultuous few weeks, where he survived a vote of confidence despite 148 of his MPs backing his removal.
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Salmond will say: “The by-election-bruised Boris Johnson government is in its death throes, and Westminster difficulty is indeed Scotland’s opportunity.
“However, we must be aware that any gain for Scotland will still have to be extracted like pulling teeth.
“It will require a determined campaign of civic action, parliamentary intervention and diplomatic initiative to press home Scotland’s claim of right.
“If the SNP/Green coalition are indeed serious about honouring their solemn pledge on an independence referendum in October next year, then they need to spell out such a plan of action in support of an independence strategy.”
