THE Greens, the Scottish Socialist Party, and the Independence for Scotland Party have all declined an “invite to unite with Action for Independence”.
The three pro-independence parties received a letter yesterday, asking them to “consider entering into formal discussions” with AFI, “for the sole purpose of standing for the Holyrood 2021 elections.”
AFI’s interim leader, the former SNP MSP, Dave Thompson, said he wanted the parties to meet “without preconditions”.
The aim of the fledgeling party is to “max the yes” vote by only fielding candidates on the Holyrood regional lists. They say that by asking SNP voters to give them their second votes, instead of “wasting” them on Nicola Sturgeon’s party, they can help return a “super-majority” of independence-supporting MSPs.
In his letter, Thompson said the most effective means of achieving this was “unity of purpose and a single, broadly representative Yes choice on the list, including individuals, Yes groups and as many smaller parties as possible.”
So far only Tommy Sheridan’s Solidarity has signed up.
READ MORE: Alliance for Independence party change name in bid to pass strict naming rules
A Scottish Greens spokesman said the last poll had them on 10 seats, while AFI were nowhere. He added: “Scottish Greens already provide a majority for independence in the Scottish Parliament, but we have also already started the work to build a greener and fairer future for our country. Any attempt to split the vote undermines that work and emboldens unionists.”
Colin Fox, the joint national spokesperson, for the Scottish Socialist Party said their “record in working with others to advance the cause of independence is both a proud and widely respected one.”
However, he added, the party intended to contest the next election “as the SSP and not as part of any looser alliance.”
Colette Walker, the leader of the ISP, said they had no intention of having their candidates selected by anyone except their own members.
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