AN SNP pressure group set up to push the party to “reprioritise its core mission” of Scottish independence will hold its first event during the party’s conference in Aberdeen.
The group, named Independence, will formally launch later this month with a fringe event titled “Building a sustained majority for independence” on the opening evening of SNP conference.
Billed as an evening of “ideas, strategy and conversation”, the event will focus on how the party can advance the case for independence and “build urgency” around the issue.
Speakers will include Simon Barrow from the SNP Trade Union Group, journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and former SNP policy convener Toni Giugliano.
It will take place at the Station Hotel in Aberdeen from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, October 15.
Organisers told The National that the event will also provide a platform for arguments contained in a motion which was rejected by the SNP’s Conferences Committee and will therefore not be debated on the conference floor.
A spokesperson for Independence claimed the group had already received a strong response, including from people who had decided to rejoin the SNP.
“We’re thrilled by the response we’ve had in just one week – including members rejoining the SNP following the launch of our group,” they said.
“That’s exactly the positive influence we want to have.
“Serious political parties have internal groups that debate and influence their party’s direction – the SNP should be no different.
“The motion blocked by the SNP’s Conferences Committee won’t be heard on the Conference floor – but its core arguments will be heard at our event.
“In fact, this is the only discussion over three days focused specifically on how we advance independence and build a sustained majority. We look forward to welcoming delegates in large numbers.”
Giugliano, who worked for Yes Scotland during the 2014 referendum campaign helping to build grassroots campaign groups, is expected to use the event to set out four proposals contained in the rejected motion.
He will also argue that two “fatal errors” made during the 2014 campaign damaged the Yes side's chances of victory.
Giugliano said: “In 2014, two fatal errors were made that I believe killed our chances of winning the referendum.
“I’ll set out what they were at Thursday’s event – and, crucially, how we make sure we don’t repeat them.
“Independence won’t be achieved by what happens at Westminster. It will be achieved by what happens in Scotland – including the strength and credibility of our arguments.
“But those arguments don’t cut through overnight – they take months and years to build. It’s why we need a serious campaign now.
“In addition to a campaign, it is entirely reasonable that a pro-independence Government should have the civil service at its disposal to help make those arguments – as was the case under previous SNP governments.
“The PM has put the ball firmly in our court. It’s now our job to build consensus on the mechanism to deliver independence and build a groundswell of support nation-wide.”
Giugliano added: “I’m glad the Independence group has been set up, and I hope it can be a positive force for debate, constructive challenge and new thinking – helping to build the urgency and momentum we need.”
Barrow, who is the national secretary of SNP TUG, said: "While I need to make clear that the TUG has not been involved in the establishment of the group organising this fringe event, I personally welcome the opportunity to take part in any constructive conversation about how we move our political terrain further towards independence."
He added: "That definitely means, among other things, looking at how the bread-and-butter issues facing people on a daily basis connect directly with the powers needed to deliver a sustainable, prosperous future for working people and communities across Scotland."
