SNP members have launched a new internal pressure group demanding the party “reprioritise its core mission” of Scottish independence.
Named “Independence”, the group has been formed ahead of next month’s SNP conference.
Speaking to The National, a spokesperson for the group argued that the SNP had “wasted the past decade” concentrating on winning elections while “doing little” to build the public case for independence.
They added: “Independence wants to work with the leadership, not against it, but we want to be clear that any attempt to deprioritise our party’s core mission will be fiercely opposed.”
This move from SNP members comes amid backlash over how independence will be discussed at the party's conference in Aberdeen.
There have been calls from within the SNP for more action in the wake of Scotland electing its largest ever pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament, and Andy Burnham stating that Scotland should have the same path to a referendum as Northern Ireland – which he later walked back.
“The SNP need an urgent, member-led push to remind the leadership why this party exists. Without it, more and more scunnered members will simply walk away, as tens of thousands already have,” the spokesperson said.
The group’s terms of reference describe it as a “positive and constructive influence on the party and its success”, with the aim of influencing the party’s direction so that “Scottish independence is at the forefront of the SNP’s policy, strategy and resource allocation”.
Independence said it is being established to uphold Article 2 of the SNP constitution and ensure that “the campaign for independence remains the party’s first and unambiguous priority”.
The spokesperson for the group went on to argue that successive SNP leaders have produced “nothing of note since the 2014 referendum to help shift the dial”.
They said: “The increase in support for independence from 45% to around 50% was a direct result of Brexit and other reckless decisions made by Westminster – not because we succeeded in bringing more people on side.”
The group went on to claim that its members have already influenced the SNP leadership, including the recent announcement of the new £100,000 SNP campaign to win "hearts and minds" over to Scottish independence.
The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) agreed last week to proposals from CEO Callum McCaig for a major digital and doorstep project to build up the movement's momentum following the historic Celtic Alliance meeting.
“If anyone thinks the timing of the £100,000 for digital campaigning and the performative vote in Parliament last week were coincidental they’re not paying attention,” the group’s spokesperson said.
“Both were a direct response to SNP members pushing the leadership on the SNP conference agenda. Granted, these are baby steps but we will influence much more in the coming weeks and months.”
They went on: “£100,000 is tuppence compared to what other political parties are securing – it pays for a handful of billboards over the course of a fortnight. Blink and you’ll miss it.”
The group also raised concerns about the SNP’s public-sector reform agenda, arguing that its approach risks undermining the political coalition required to build support for independence.
“If you are serious about independence, you don’t pick a fight with the trade unions over public-sector cuts and then expect to build a mass movement behind constitutional change,” the group said.
“That is probably the biggest clue that this leadership is preparing to park independence for the duration of this Holyrood term.”
They went on: “If Andy Burnham calls a snap election, the SNP will get thrashed if it embarks on a cuts agenda. Independence exists to make sure that doesn’t happen. We intend to use the strength of the membership to change the party’s direction and put independence back where it belongs – at the heart of everything the SNP does.”
Keith Brown, the SNP's depute leader (above), described the £100,000 spend agreed by the NEC as part of a "war chest" to drive forward the independence campaign.
"The SNP is the party of independence and we have opened up a £100,000 digital and doorstep war chest to that effect – now is the time to exert full pressure on the Westminster establishment,” he told The National.
“The British Prime Minister agreed it is for the Scottish people to decide our own future, the Cardiff Agreement crystallised that the age of Westminster is coming to an end and the Scottish Parliament – with Scottish Labour support – backed Scotland’s right to decide.”
He added: “After a month where independence has taken centre stage, everyone should be putting their shoulder to the wheel and driving forward behind a series of actions the First Minister has put in motion.
“Polling shows independence is the preferred choice of the Scottish people because the opportunity to build our future as an independent nation back home in the EU is there to be won. That’s the context to our conference in Aberdeen and it is a huge opportunity to build on the momentum behind our cause.”
