TWO “substantial” motions on a Green New Deal failed to make the cut on the SNP’s autumn conference agenda, it has been claimed.

Common Weal director Robin McAlpine revealed that they had been submitted and published the text of one which stressed the importance of Scottish independence.

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Part of the motion read: “We call on conference to commit to a large-scale, co-ordinated programme of public action funded through Scotland’s fair and progressive tax system which will decarbonise heating, transport and electricity, make all homes genuinely energy efficient, move towards a zero-waste economy.

“We also call on conference to recognise that an adequate response to climate change will be different in different countries.

“A truly transformative Green New Deal for Scotland will require Scottish independence and the power to invest which comes from having your own currency.”

McAlpine criticised the SNP for failing to give space to debate on a Green New Deal and Scottish independence.

He wrote: “The world is on fire and the UK is about to run straight into the flames. The two big issues of our era in Scotland should now be clear to you all – escape and repair, independence and then a Green New Deal.

“I know of at least two substantial motions on a Green New Deal which were submitted. (I was asked to comment on one – I’ve copied the text at the bottom of this so you know what you’re NOT getting to talk about.)

“Of course neither made it on the agenda. The First Minister’s ‘referendum announcement’ and ‘climate change emergency’ are PR charades I’m no longer willing to go along with. This agenda shows what the party is really about – control of its own members. That’s the real ambition.”

The SNP have stressed that the shortlist of motions is produced by a “democratically elected internal body”.

A Scottish Greens spokesperson said: “It is not surprising to hear the SNP don’t want to debate a Green New Deal at the party’s conference.

“That would involve facing up to the uncomfortable truth that the transition away from fossil fuels needs to begin immediately if jobs in a low-carbon economy are to be secured.

“It would mean admitting that maximum extraction of oil and gas and expanding our airports and road network is simply incompatible with declaring a climate emergency.

“SNP supporters who are looking for a positive vision of how Scotland can build a sustainable future that doesn’t leave anyone behind should consider joining the Scottish Greens. We are developing the sort of detailed plans their current party seems uncomfortable discussing.”