A couple of interesting points arise from today’s edition of A Proud Malcontent. Probably more than a couple. But there are two that I want to mention here.
I was at the launch of NSP and I found your radical thinking insightful and compelling. I fully get your apprehension regarding any kind of leadership role as I too am fully aware of my own diminishing energy levels and ever burdensome world weariness and I'm ten years younger than you! Your critical thinking, knowledge and experience of the movement would be an invaluable asset to anyone with the drive, energy and charisma to lead and I believe there's an appetite for a more radical and defiant independence party. In terms of any impact on the 2026 election I fear there's not enough time especially in light of the blinkered lack of media interested in anything but Farrage and co as well as limited funding to get word out there in 9 months...but who knows... cometh the hour... cometh the man or woman.
The leaf that any independence party could take from the Farrage book is 'repetition' they never miss an opportunity to (erroneously) blame immigration as the demon that causes every social ailment whether it be housing, NHS waiting times or bad weather. I'm sick of screaming at the telly when snp ministers fail to point to the fact that it's Westminster policies and economic restraints that shackle Scotland and it's people or often fail to challenge and debunk the fraudulent figures and statistics dished out as fact by the Union because they possibly don't want to rock the boat by mentioning the 'I' word until it's election time. Unlike Farrage our fight for independence isn't founded on bigotry and lies but I don't think our argument gets hammered home with the same repetition and clarity as it should if that makes sense? I'd like to see that put right with urgency
It all boils down to money, I'm afraid. I could get NSP ready to stand candidates in 2026. But it would require large amounts of cash. The kind of cash that is only available from companies and wealthy individuals. I can't have that. Or should I say, I'd take a lot of convincing that it was OK to take money from the same kind of sources as traditional parties.
Taking money from such sources isn't always a bad thing. But it's kinda tricky knowing when it isn't.
Kudos Peter, for being prepared to pick up the banner, and for having the insight to see what's needed. Even as far back as during the referendum campaign I felt that the SNPs approach was too passive. We won't wrest our independence back by being reasonable!
Remember the response when the SNP MPs walked out of the commons, but they couldn't bring themselves to do it again.
I'm the same age as yourself so I can say with understanding that I hope some younger blood flock to your banner to do the heavy lifting.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that you'll encourage any of the other nominally pro-independence parties to radicalize themselves regarding the constitutional issue, which means, of course, that you'll have to do it yourself. Something, which I'm certain, you already know. One reason for going-it-alone is surely the fact that you might live to wonder what impact your initiative might have had if you'd pursued it. You may have to get it out of your system and know that you gave it your very best shot. I'm a wee bit older than you and I realise that ambition is fueled by energy. The question is then: how much energy do you reckon you've got left in the-tank? If carefully husbanded, quite a bit, would be my opinion, but no one knows except you.
The same applies to the SNP making it even more unlikely that they will get any list MSPs, which would mean no Independence majority. The question now is, who is radical enough in the Independence movement to take on the task?
Pretty much anything said about any of the nominally pro-independence parties applies to all of the nominally pro-independence parties. The SNP is only exceptional in that it is the 'brand leader'.
The best - perhaps the only - way to make the SNP up it's game is for Alba Party to make the first move. If Alba takes that radical position and gets a significant boost in the polls as a result, the SNP will have to respond.
A very good analysis Peter. I always felt that Salmond was the wrong man to lead Alba. Partly because of his age and status, but also because he was not a radical. He never really was. Scotland really does need a radical independence party. By that I don't mean of the haggis wielding variety, more in left-right political terms - radical re-nationalisation, corporation taxation, control on overseas ownership of resources etc. Radical and insurgent with an articulate firebrand leader .... not Kenny MacAskill obviously. These are issues that resonate with say around 20-25% of the population, many probably Labour old style supporters who still have electoral significance. Worth 20 or so seats? More importantly they could enliven the Independence debate away from the dead hand of the SNP.
When I say radical, I mean in terms of the party's approach to the constitutional issue. There will be no stance on policy issues. Take a position on any policy issue and you are likely to deter as many voters as you attract.
I would also like New Scotland Party to be structured differently from traditional parties. But it is the constitutional issue that is front and centre - with an approach that puts the people foremost while excluding the British state altogether.
I don't think that Scotland's Cause is a matter of 'left' and/or 'right'. Rather it is more to do with 'right' and 'wrong'. Or righting an egregious wrong from 1707.
The radicalism that the Independence movement requires a credible, workable plan, an understanding of Scotland's colonial condition and an urgent approach to achieving the single noble objective of the the restoration of Scotland's full self-government and return of Scotland's independent statehood.
Peter A Bell's #ScottishUDI pathway provides that.
I was at the launch of NSP and I found your radical thinking insightful and compelling. I fully get your apprehension regarding any kind of leadership role as I too am fully aware of my own diminishing energy levels and ever burdensome world weariness and I'm ten years younger than you! Your critical thinking, knowledge and experience of the movement would be an invaluable asset to anyone with the drive, energy and charisma to lead and I believe there's an appetite for a more radical and defiant independence party. In terms of any impact on the 2026 election I fear there's not enough time especially in light of the blinkered lack of media interested in anything but Farrage and co as well as limited funding to get word out there in 9 months...but who knows... cometh the hour... cometh the man or woman.
The leaf that any independence party could take from the Farrage book is 'repetition' they never miss an opportunity to (erroneously) blame immigration as the demon that causes every social ailment whether it be housing, NHS waiting times or bad weather. I'm sick of screaming at the telly when snp ministers fail to point to the fact that it's Westminster policies and economic restraints that shackle Scotland and it's people or often fail to challenge and debunk the fraudulent figures and statistics dished out as fact by the Union because they possibly don't want to rock the boat by mentioning the 'I' word until it's election time. Unlike Farrage our fight for independence isn't founded on bigotry and lies but I don't think our argument gets hammered home with the same repetition and clarity as it should if that makes sense? I'd like to see that put right with urgency
It all boils down to money, I'm afraid. I could get NSP ready to stand candidates in 2026. But it would require large amounts of cash. The kind of cash that is only available from companies and wealthy individuals. I can't have that. Or should I say, I'd take a lot of convincing that it was OK to take money from the same kind of sources as traditional parties.
Taking money from such sources isn't always a bad thing. But it's kinda tricky knowing when it isn't.
I can totally understand that! Gold mine or minefield ?!?! Difficult tightrope to walk
Kudos Peter, for being prepared to pick up the banner, and for having the insight to see what's needed. Even as far back as during the referendum campaign I felt that the SNPs approach was too passive. We won't wrest our independence back by being reasonable!
Remember the response when the SNP MPs walked out of the commons, but they couldn't bring themselves to do it again.
I'm the same age as yourself so I can say with understanding that I hope some younger blood flock to your banner to do the heavy lifting.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that you'll encourage any of the other nominally pro-independence parties to radicalize themselves regarding the constitutional issue, which means, of course, that you'll have to do it yourself. Something, which I'm certain, you already know. One reason for going-it-alone is surely the fact that you might live to wonder what impact your initiative might have had if you'd pursued it. You may have to get it out of your system and know that you gave it your very best shot. I'm a wee bit older than you and I realise that ambition is fueled by energy. The question is then: how much energy do you reckon you've got left in the-tank? If carefully husbanded, quite a bit, would be my opinion, but no one knows except you.
You are certainly right about wondering what might have been. But there's a big question mark over the energy thing. There's good days and bad days.
On the bad days, I curse myself for all the promises I made on the good days.
On the good days, I curse myself for all the promises I broke on the bad days.
I do a lot of cursing.
The same applies to the SNP making it even more unlikely that they will get any list MSPs, which would mean no Independence majority. The question now is, who is radical enough in the Independence movement to take on the task?
Pretty much anything said about any of the nominally pro-independence parties applies to all of the nominally pro-independence parties. The SNP is only exceptional in that it is the 'brand leader'.
The best - perhaps the only - way to make the SNP up it's game is for Alba Party to make the first move. If Alba takes that radical position and gets a significant boost in the polls as a result, the SNP will have to respond.
Pause and watch Peter....things are changing everyday.....sometimes it pays to play a waiting game.
For OUR Scotland and her weans.
A very good analysis Peter. I always felt that Salmond was the wrong man to lead Alba. Partly because of his age and status, but also because he was not a radical. He never really was. Scotland really does need a radical independence party. By that I don't mean of the haggis wielding variety, more in left-right political terms - radical re-nationalisation, corporation taxation, control on overseas ownership of resources etc. Radical and insurgent with an articulate firebrand leader .... not Kenny MacAskill obviously. These are issues that resonate with say around 20-25% of the population, many probably Labour old style supporters who still have electoral significance. Worth 20 or so seats? More importantly they could enliven the Independence debate away from the dead hand of the SNP.
When I say radical, I mean in terms of the party's approach to the constitutional issue. There will be no stance on policy issues. Take a position on any policy issue and you are likely to deter as many voters as you attract.
I would also like New Scotland Party to be structured differently from traditional parties. But it is the constitutional issue that is front and centre - with an approach that puts the people foremost while excluding the British state altogether.
I don't think that Scotland's Cause is a matter of 'left' and/or 'right'. Rather it is more to do with 'right' and 'wrong'. Or righting an egregious wrong from 1707.
The radicalism that the Independence movement requires a credible, workable plan, an understanding of Scotland's colonial condition and an urgent approach to achieving the single noble objective of the the restoration of Scotland's full self-government and return of Scotland's independent statehood.
Peter A Bell's #ScottishUDI pathway provides that.
Very well put!