YES supporters across other political parties – and those belonging to no party – are being invited along to a series of mass meetings over the summer being hosted by the SNP.
The move will see the pro-independence campaign mobilise again ahead of a possible new referendum.
The National Assemblies are also keen to seek the view of civic Scotland on the country’s battle to join the ranks of the world’s 193 independent states.
Glasgow Provan MSP Ivan McKee is due to announced the initiative in an email to the SNP’s 118,000 members this morning – coinciding with the publication of the SNP’s new economic blueprint for independence.
“You might have heard about the Sustainable Growth Commission,” McKee’s email will tell members.
“The report, led by former MSP and economist Andrew Wilson ... is set to give a fresh focus on the debate about the economic opportunities for an independent Scotland.”
He will add: “This report comes at a great time. The UK elites are increasingly consumed by Brexit and blinkered by ultra negativity. But the publication of this report gives the people of Scotland a chance to step back and look at Scotland’s future with hope.
“It studies other small successful nations and shows how we can grow the economy and match the living standards of the fairest, healthiest and happiest countries in the world.”
And it will continue: “And here’s the bit where you come in. Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the party will hold a series of National Assemblies over the summer to debate the report’s recommendations ahead of annual national conference in October.
“The Yes movement is powered by folk from all walks of life, so we’ll also hear from people beyond the party, by inviting folk along from across civic Scotland and from the wider Yes family.
“Each National Assembly will consider a different section of the report and these discussions will inform and shape SNP policy development on the report’s recommendations. I hope you’re excited and looking forward to having your say, I know I am.”
Ken Ferguson, the Scottish Socialist Party spokesman, welcomed the message.
“As a pro-independence party favouring an independent socialist Scotland, the SSP welcomes debate on how independence might be achieved,” he said.
“We are firmly of the view that winning Scotland’s working-class majority to a Yes vote is the key to victory and this will only be achieved by policies which meet the needs and aspirations of that class.
“The 45% won in 2014 was largely built on the prospects of a radically changed, just Scotland not a mini pro-market UK.”
He added: “If the SNP are serious about hosting assemblies in their new report, which goes beyond the ranks of their own party, then they must ensure that this involves pro-independence viewpoints which do not agree with their pro-market ideas.
In any debate on the issue the SSP will – as we did in 2014 – present our vision of a different Scotland breaking with the failed pro-market approach of the major parties which has produced a society of zero-hour contracts, a million Scots in poverty and criminally exploitative landlordism”
Green MSP Ross Greer said: “Independence will only be delivered by a grass-roots movement working alongside the SNP and the Greens. If the SNP has learnt from the mistakes they made in trying to consume and control the Yes movement that would be a very positive development.
“It is critical that the grassroots make clear that independence isn’t whatever the SNP, or indeed the Greens, say it is; there is no single manifesto for our nation’s future and falling into line behind a one is not a winning formula for a future referendum.”
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