AS you read this, Theresa May’s divided Conservative party is gathering in Birmingham for their annual conference. It won’t be a conference like you and I would recognise. There will be no real policy debates – members will instead enjoy a parade of speeches from Tory ministers pretending that the party isn’t ripping itself apart over Brexit.
In stark contrast, next week the SNP conference in the great city of Glasgow will focus on the issues that matter. Party members will debate how we improve the mental health of our young people; how we grow Scotland’s economy; how we make Scotland a more welcoming and inclusive country; and much, much more.
We’ll also debate a refreshed constitution for the party that will increase engagement and involvement of members. This is coming after three successful National Assemblies that put our members in charge of the agenda.
In my own speech at SNP conference next week, I’ll also be able to update members on the outcome of these events and the next steps.
So while the other parties are obsessed with their own internal Brexit debates, the SNP is focussed on debating and delivering a better Scotland.
That’s exactly what the SNP were doing in government this week too. The SNP Scottish Government announced the biggest pay rise for police officers in 20 years. We hit 78,000 affordable homes delivered since the SNP came to office. And it was confirmed that disability assessments will be conducted in the public sector by Social Security Scotland.
It wasn’t just the SNP that were talking up our achievements last week, Labour’s conference highlighted a few of them too. Labour made promises where the SNP have delivered, including on period poverty, setting up a National Investment Bank and on climate change. Imitation is definitely the sincerest form of flattery!
In government, we’re demonstrating that you’re better off with the SNP. As a party and as a movement, we were talking to voters yesterday about why Scotland is better off as an independent country too.
For it is only with having the powers of an independent country that Scotland can truly flourish and reach our great potential on the world stage.
That’s why we’ve been listening to people in communities up and down the country, to get their view on the UK leaving the EU within the context of “no deal”, and what impact these outcomes have on the voters’ feelings towards the opportunities of an independent Scotland.
It’s clear that the other parties won’t listen to the people of Scotland – only the SNP will deliver a better future for those of us who are lucky enough to live here.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel