SOME 1300 delegates, activists and independence-supporting individuals are expected to take part in the largest-ever online conference of the Yes movement which starts today.

Organised by All Under One Banner (AUOB), the Assembly has already had to organise a follow-up event on Sunday, November 22, both events running from 12 noon to 5pm.

Participation in the event is free although AUOB will be asking participants to contribute to the running costs if they are able. A wide spectrum of Yes groups, other organisations and many individuals who are not aligned to any group have registered to take part so far.

AUOB stated on Facebook yesterday: “The Assembly will start the firing pistol for a massive intensification of campaigning efforts to win Scottish independence.

“We are delighted to be joined by nearly 1300 delegates representing hundreds of local Yes Groups and other national and local bodies fighting for independence. The Assembly will hear from many diverse voices giving notice to the British Government that we are leaving this rotten Union and that the divorce is unstoppable. Our movement will be stronger and more united than ever before.”

AUOB hosted its first Assembly at the beginning of the year. That event was described by The National columnist George Kerevan as providing “real food for thought on the way ahead for Yes.”

This latest Assembly will provide a platform to co-ordinate efforts and improve organisation. This is to achieve two things – the continued impact of the exciting events organised by AUOB and to help the wider Yes movement with plans to organise and develop. There will also be discuss the how and the why of a national membership organisation and agree a plan of action.

Among those speaking will be the SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford and National columnists George Kerevan and Lesley Riddoch, as well as leading campaigners Charlotte Ahmed and Robin McAlpine.

AUOB’s Assembly will have the look and feel of a real conference as it will be hosted on an online event platform which provides a virtual venue with multiple interactive areas that are optimised for connecting and engaging. Attendees can move in and out of rooms just like an in-person event. There will be speakers, Q&A sessions, workshops and plenty of space to network.

To take part, representatives of groups and individuals can register at auob.org/assemblyregistration.

Speaking about the event, AUOB national coordinator Neil Mackay said: “This will be the biggest and best grassroots independence conference ever and will not be simply another talking shop. There will be tangible results and a plan of action which will be implemented. We will not be stopped.”