We spoke to 15 new SNP members and asked what made they want to join the party...
Ashleigh Liston, 28, Edinburgh
I voted Yes in the independence referendum and Remain in the EU vote, I also vote SNP, but after watching PMQs and the walkout I had had enough and became a member.
I’m tired of hearing “too wee, too poor” and tired of the bias in the mainstream media. It’s time to take action and make a difference in getting independence.
Kelly Mitchell, 40, Burntisland
I had been thinking of joining the SNP for a while, probably since the first independence referendum. It has become more and more clear that the SNP are Scotland’s only real advocates, fighting to protect us from the worst of austerity and Westminster cuts. I want Scotland to have the chance to go to the polls again in the light of all the change in circumstances and have another say on our independence. I joined the night before the walkout as I wanted to add my weight to their representation of Scotland. Three other family members joined on the day of the power grab.
Daye Tucker, Balfron
My sheep farm business is a small part of Scotland’s £14.4 billion food and drink sector – with exports worth £5.5bn. All is under threat from the Westminster devolution power grab. Scotland’s growth in confidence has run parallel with SNP governance. After watching the Speaker and Unionist MPs braying uncontrollably and disrespecting SNP MPs for requesting that Scotland’s voice be heard, I immediately joined the only party which stands up for Scotland.
Theo Seller, 64, Cromarty
Yesterday I finally joined the SNP. I have long supported most of their policies, but independence is the key issue. It is obvious that independence is now a matter not just of choosing our own future as a nation, but of keeping our self-respect in the face of the contemptuous disregard and outright lies which we are served in Westminster.
Sara Traill, 37, Edinburgh
It’s been a while coming, what with Brexit and Westminster’s power grab. But yesterday’s Commons debacle and the SNP walkout was the final straw. I know what I want from my country – a fair, just society that’s inclusive but also outward-looking. I’m not naturally a “joiner”, but the time has come to put my money where my mouth is. Scotland’s voice needs to be heard – and they’re the only ones who can do it.
Graeme, 28, East Kilbride
Although I’ve been toying with the idea for some time, the events that took place in Westminster convinced me to join the SNP. Seeing most of the other parties either vote against or sit on their hands during the debate was galling to put it mildly. It dawned on me that voting for these London-based parties to protect Scotland is like feeding a horse hay and expecting a golden egg.
Daniel Tobin, 52, Kilsyth
I was a trade unionist and Labour activist for many years as the two went hand in hand. I increasingly felt the SNP and their policies made sense. I joined because I feel utterly betrayed by the Westminster.
Davie Hay, 52, Neilston
This is now an existential issue for Scotland. Not only is Westminster refusing to grant us any more autonomy, it is increasingly clear that they want to take away what little we have and reduce our ancient nation to little more than a region of England. There is no more status quo. In light of this, I can no longer stand on the sidelines and hope for the best, so I joined the SNP.
Frank Mulraney, 60, Dumfries
I was a traditional Labour voter, voting for the party without much thought to current policy. They were I believed, the only ones looking after our rights and welfare. However, over the past year or so, it has become apparent that they are putting the party before the Scottish people and spend more time decrying the SNP than providing coherent policies. The past two days have been a game changer for me. Contempt and filibustering from the Conservatives and, well, nothing from Labour.
David Austin, 40, Paisley
I want my country to be run by people who relate to the average Scot. Not Boris Johnson or Jacob Rees-Mogg of Westminster. I have never joined a political party or union before but the only people standing up for Scotland’s best interests are the SNP. Yesterdays Westminster debacle summed up our Union. The disregard that has been shown made me livid.
Lesley, 52, Drumnadrochit
The more I learn, the more I am convinced that independence is best outcome for all and especially my children. Filibustering (how is this a thing?) and the contempt shown to our representatives pushed me to join the SNP to show my support for their efforts in a more concrete way. We get away from this deeply unfair Union.
Gordon Hastie, 68, Musselburgh
I’ve rejoined the SNP. I was already angry about the unfulfilled Vow, Cameron’s EVEL (we already knew that) and I’m totally incensed by the power grab. On the other hand, if anyone wants to know why we want out of this toxic, sham Union, Westminster provided a useful lesson on Tuesday night!
Dougie Burton, 58, Ayrshire
After the SNP were shown complete disregard in not being allowed any time to debate issues that affect Scotland in a whole range of ways, I decided I had to do something rather than just accept this abuse. I became a member of the SNP. We must fight together now or there will be nothing left to save.
Tom Mcintyre, 50, Ayr
Westminster’s contempt for the Scottish Parliament and devolution was plain for all to see on Tuesday. This was the ultimate insult to our beautiful country. The SNP provide the strongest voice for Scotland’s current and future generations, both domestically and internationally. I have friends in Europe who are following events and are supportive of SNP position on Brexit. I felt that I needed to provide support to this progressive, diverse and inclusive party to work together for Scotland’s independence.
John McCrae, 72
I am 72 years of age and have voted SNP since 1967. After the treatment our MPs have had to put up with, not only this week but since 2014, I decided it was time I joined to help in any way towards independence. It is probably a little late for my wife and I to benefit, but we have a son and daughter and four grandchildren and I am desperately hoping their future is in a free and inclusive independent Scotland.
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