Now is the time to move away from ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ and focus on how we build support for independence. Yes/No labelling is divisive and combined with the distraction of getting #indyref2 in 2020, is drawing energy and resources away from a campaign to build support for independence.
That the UK Government rejected their Scottish counterpart’s request for the transferral of powers to hold referenda should come as a “surprise to absolutely nobody” as Bella Caledonia put it. Before another referendum will happen it is essential we have a political mandate and polling data to show a rise in support for independence. We, as a movement, need to make the positive case for independence all across Scotland.
In calling someone a ‘No voter’ there is the implication that that person was wrong and that they are different to ‘Yes voters’. This language makes it more difficult to persuade someone that independence is the best course for Scotland’s future. In the referendum in 2014 people made a decision about what was best for them at that particular time and no one should be vilified or made to feel bad about the decision they took then.
If a week is a long time in politics then five and a half years is…a generation?
If a week is a long time in politics then five and a half years is…a generation? However you want to phrase it, politics and society has moved on since 2014 and the debates and vision for an independent Scotland are different now to how they were then. The problem is that very few are actually talking about what an independent Scotland could look like. As we look to the future Scotland we want, referring to someone as a Yes or No voter is irrelevant.
Voices for Scotland is the organisation for the indy-curious
Voices for Scotland is the organisation for the indy-curious, campaigning to bring people together to have the big conversations about a Scotland for Everyone, a vision of Scotland that works for me, you, your community and everyone else.
What we need to do now is focus on putting forward the positive case for a Scotland for Everyone. We need to see more conversation events happening across Scotland run by individuals and groups in your local area. We need a decentralised, organic movement facilitated by Voices for Scotland but ultimately run by you. We need to come together, however you voted in 2014, and discuss what your vision for a future Scotland looks like.
We’ve already got a the first few events planned for 2020 and more and more people are coming forward to volunteer to host their own events. If you want to get involved email info@voicesforscotland.scot or sign up to our mailing list here. Our event packs will be available from February and will contain everything you need to host you own conversation event.
If you’re looking for something to do to make independence a reality then do it with us. Have big conversations about the Scotland you want to see and help create a Scotland for Everyone.
Allan Whyte, Campaign Organiser