THE SNP Convention on Independence will include a session on General Election strategy in the wake of a poll which found the party could face losing more than half their seats at Westminster.
The one-day event at Caird Hall in Dundee on Saturday will be the first time SNP members have gathered in person since Humza Yousaf became the party’s leader.
The morning session will focus on the path to independence and will include speakers from the wider independence movement to help bring “the entire movement to work together”, chaired by former SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes.
As well as a speech from Yousaf, party depute leader Keith Brown will talk about the “Summer Campaign for Independence” while former deputy first minister John Swinney will address delegates in the morning.
READ MORE: It's time for the SNP to take the reigns on the independence debate
The focus will then switch to looking at strategy for the General Election, with a presentation from Westminster party leader Stephen Flynn, deputy Mhairi Black and SNP economy spokesman Stewart Hosie on a “campaign to win”, followed by discussion with party members.
It will take place after a new Panelbase poll at the weekend found Labour is on course to defeat the SNP in Scotland at the next General Election for the first time since 2010, with Yousaf’s party predicted to lost more than half of their 45 seats. It was the first poll to be conducted since former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon was arrested before being released without charge.
During the SNP leadership campaign, Yousaf said he had some apprehensions about the strategy to use the General Election as a de facto referendum and pledged to listen to the membership.
Later a session on creating an independent Scotland will be introduced by Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn, before moving onto contributions from members and the convention will close with a speech from Black.
There has been some criticism from senior SNP sources that the convention will not decide an independence strategy, with plans instead to formalise it at the party’s conference in October.
The event programme said: “This exciting event kick starts a summer programme of independence campaigning activity, including leafleting, canvassing, and regional assemblies; all culminating in our annual conference in October, where delegates will officially decide our independence strategy.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf signals return to de facto referendum strategy
“Humza will open the conversation at our convention, setting out his view on the way forward for the people of Scotland to express a clear view on how we advance the cause of independence.
“The event is divided into two packed sessions where members’ contributions are at its heart. The first, on the path to independence, will include speakers from the SNP, the wider independence movement, and contributions from the floor. The second will focus on general election strategy.
“Members will also be able to take part in a number of interactive activist workshops.”
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