I FIRST became interested in politics when the UK Government decided to have an EU referendum. I have never been a member of a political party in my life before. Yesterday, I joined the SNP. This is why.
I was born a European in Edinburgh to caring and compassionate Croatian and Scottish parents. I believe that we need to be internationalist in our outlook and Brexit has killed the UK.
I used to go to Yugoslavia before Croatian independence with my family when I was young and people would always ask which part of England was I from. I would always answer Edinburgh, Scotland but I felt British then too.
Britain died years ago now! We need to focus on self-determination within Scotland as the pandemic has proved that if the Scottish Government had all the levers of a normal independent country then I believe we would be in a much better place like New Zealand and other independent states.
Change is difficult and will be challenging but with each other’s support and compassion Scotland can play a huge part in the wider world and as a good neighbour and trading partner to other nations within the British Isles. Everyone needs to stand up and be counted now.
READ MORE: Why Nicola Sturgeon (and Neil Oliver) made me join the SNP this week
Tell your friends and family why independence is the right path for a strong European Scotland. If everyone persuades just a few people then we will get the self-determination we deserve.
Paul Skrgatic, 47 (@Pablodelmar)
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