A GREEN Party motion has set out how the party would “not obstruct Scottish independence” and would grant full fiscal autonomy to Holyrood if they won power in Westminster.
A motion set for the Green Party of England and Wales’ (GPEW) autumn conference in Brighton in October will solidify the party’s position on independence and devolution.
Lewis Campbell, who was part of the working group which wrote the motion, told The National that it would make the Greens the only party south of the Border “that's given really any thought to what would happen to the rest of the UK after a Yes vote”.
The motion, if adopted, would see Zack Polanski's GPEW say that both Scotland and Wales should be given full fiscal autonomy, and in the event of independence would see the UK negotiate to keep free movement of people, goods and services between nations.
The motion is part of a proposed update to the party’s Policies for a Sustainable Society (PSS), which covers a variety of topics but represents the long term goals of the party. The policies are agreed at the party’s conference and could be amended, but are used to inform manifestos, news releases and set national and local policy objectives.
Campbell, who is also vice convener of Green Yes and a member of the Scottish Greens as well as GPEW, told The National that the motion doesn’t change the “underlying principles” that the Greens south of the Border have when it comes to devolution and independence.
He explained that the policy needed “tidied up”, adding that GPEW have supported Scotland’s right to choose independence from the UK prior to the 2014 referendum.
“That's actually been there before, so that shouldn't be controversial at all,” Campbell said.
“What I think has changed though is there's bits in here about, for example, full fiscal autonomy, saying that Scotland and Wales will just be given full fiscal autonomy.
“That's quite an interesting thing because we always think about you know powers being given to Scotland, but actually what this means is, well, if you are an MP, it's not going to be your right.
“Why would you be making decisions about what the tax rates are in Scotland? So that's why that's going to be just devolved immediately.”
He added: “This would really commit the Green Party of England and Wales to being the only party that's given really any thought to what would happen to the rest of the UK after a Yes vote.
“For example, it says that there will be a division of assets, it says they'll try to maintain the common travel area.
“I really wanted that in there because one of the things in 2014 was the stuff about we’re going to have a hard border, we're going to have a customs border, we're not able to use the currency and things like that.
“I wanted to make it clear that actually, if Scotland became independent, that the UK Government, if it had Greens in it, would not be deliberately trying to be difficult and obstructive. Basically, that's what this policy motion says.
“It says that, if Scotland had the right to independence and if Scotland chooses independence, we're not going to be obstructive about it.”
The section of the PSS which focuses on the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd says that both countries will “enjoy the degree of autonomy, involving full self-government or independence” that the citizens of those countries express through a referendum.
It adds that a referendum on independence from the UK will be “subject to a majority vote to this effect in the relevant devolved Parliament, be held in those nations”.
It also sets out in the event of a Yes vote in Wales or Scotland that GPEW would “negotiate for the continuation of the completely free movement of people, goods, and services between that nation and the rest of the UK”.
But outside of full independence, it also sets out support for full fiscal autonomy for Holyrood and the Senedd “while they remain in the UK”, that this will include National Insurance and pensions being devolved, and that the block grant will be calculated on “the basis of need”.
On pensions, it sets out that while they are in the process of being devolved, a “transitional arrangement” will be put in place to ensure that those entitled to UK state pension benefits will “continue to receive them whilst the liabilities are shared fairly between the Scottish, Welsh, and UK governments”.
Campbell explained that with all the discussion around devolution within England, it forces the settlement for Scotland and Wales to the forefront of the conversation. He added that he sees this as one of the things that “trips up” Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Burnham has said that discussions around an independence referendum are "off limits" despite his devolution push.
The motion also describes how GPEW “recognise” that referendums have “rarely” settled issues “satisfactorily” when voters are given a yes or no response.
However it does clarify that only under “the most exceptional circumstances”, such as Scotland or Wales holding a referendum to leave the UK, would the Greens promote a referendum as settling an issue.
Polanski previously told The National's podcast there was “something unstoppable” about the independence movement and Westminster’s attitude towards the issue was “sinister”.
He also accused First Minister Swinney of being "really short sighted" by dismissing the Scottish Greens and saying ahead of the Holyrood election that only a majority for the SNP can lead to a second independence referendum.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay also told The National in February that Green MPs in Westminster could help "secure a Scottish independence referendum".
The two sister parties rekindled ties in January after a previous split on transgender rights.
