IT remains unclear how many of the SNP's Westminster MPs in London will stand with activists outside the Supreme Court and at rallies across Scotland on Wednesday – as judges issue their ruling on an advisory second independence referendum.
UPDATE: MPs are in the courtroom and it remains unclear if guidance was issued by SNP HQ.
Only four of the party's MPs are confirmed to be taking the roughly five-minute walk to represent Scotland and join Yes London activists.
Several MPs have prior commitments at debates and house business but most, The National understands, are waiting for guidance to come from HQ.
READ MORE: How The National will be covering the Supreme Court's indyref2 ruling
SNP MP Angus MacNeil, who has committed to heading to the court for 9:45am, said: “Doubtless a good number of Scots and a good few pro-independence MPs will be there for an historic moment to kick start next stage to independence.”
He will be joined by MPs Douglas Chapman, Brendan O’Hara and John McNally.
At the main rally in Edinburgh, SNP MP Tommy Sheppard and Alba MP Neale Hanvey will speak to the expected crowd of 5000 or more.
One senior SNP source described the party’s commitment and support for grassroot efforts as “lukewarm”.
Another party source said it is “disappointing the lack of understanding of the moment or general enthusiasm”– and the lack of guidance from party officials means some individuals and groups are wary of committing to efforts.
Activists will appear at a total of 19 rallies – 15 in Scotland, two in England, and six in Europe – no matter the decision.
Earlier in the week, SNP policy development convener Toni Giugliano kicked off the call for members to join the rallies.
He said: “I’m keen to ensure the SNP put some weight behind these rallies. I understand why there is a hesitancy to not attend these unless the SNP organises them, but I think unless we do, they are organised without us.”
READ MORE: Alex Salmond to speak at Inverurie rally over Supreme Court verdict
Kirsteen Fraser, SNP equalities convenor, joined Giugliano in calling for action by the SNP to support the rallies.
She said: “We’ve been reticent in the party about engaging with rallies, protests, and demonstrations since 2014 to the point it can look like we have abandoned the field.
“It is time for us to be brave, bold, and visible across all spheres in public life about Scotland’s right to decide.”
The SNP were approached for comment.
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