THE entire point of Scotland going its own way and becoming an independent nation again is so we can do things differently than an increasingly inward-looking and undemocratic UK.
We can only win the case by showing how Scotland can be more progressive, not present a case which for so many struggling people will seem like creating a little Britain with a southern border at the Solway Firth. That’s why I have become increasingly frustrated with the SNP’s lack of ambition.
As the largest independence-supporting party, SNP spokespeople are often left to make the arguments for what in fact is a wide, pluralistic movement. Yet with the Scottish Government’s dependency on the UK Government’s privatised approach to Covid-19, with its new social security benefits pegged to Universal Credit and with an apparent unwillingness to stand up to vested interests when it comes to private rents and land reform, the SNP are not leading by example, presenting a case for independence that can convince the many.
Indeed, the party’s Growth Commission suggested that Scotland would have to continue with the austerity project, one of the main reasons why the UK has failed.
The Scottish Greens know Scotland can do so much better than this. We know that creating a new economy allows us to build one that works for everyone, not just billionaires. It allows us to stop the free market from wrecking our planet.
But even baby steps towards that are resisted by the Scottish Government.
When we tried to bring in protections for private tenants this winter, the SNP and the Tories voted it down. Around 300 people have been evicted since.
READ MORE: Tougher eviction ban to be introduced for six weeks over winter
When we brought a declaration of a nature emergency to Parliament, promising the bold action required to halt the alarming decline in species in this country, the SNP and the Tories voted it down.
And while the First Minister was hailing a one-off £500 payment to frontline health and care workers at SNP conference, the Greens have been working with trade unions to make the case for stronger collective bargaining so that pay rises are permanent.
I’m sure these vital workers will welcome a bonus, especially in light of the UK Government freezing their pay, but they deserve a raise. A bonus doesn’t address the inequality of pay and low wages that dominate some areas of the public sector, and it won’t reach those essential workers in the private sector.
Meanwhile, it was clear the SNP’s internal elections were riven with factionalism over equalities issues, which seems incredible to me. Things got particularly nasty on social media.
If we are going to win independence, it will be the case for a Scotland as a progressive country committed to equality and human rights. And yes, that includes the rights of trans people.
In terms of human rights and respecting people’s dignity, the UK is on a worrying downward spiral. As a new points-based immigration system is brought in and the Home Secretary talks about erecting barriers to keep people out, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned the “hostile environment” policy has breached equalities law.
READ MORE: Home Office broke equalities law with hostile environment policies
That is a policy which is still seeing British citizens told they are not welcome and put on a plane for the Caribbean, even during a global pandemic of a deadly disease.
And let’s not forget that the UK Government has axed funding for LGBT+ bullying initiatives in schools and is threatening the rolling back of existing equalities legislation when it comes to the rights of trans people.
When Scotland decides to go another way, it will be to create a new welcoming country where marginalised people aren’t just protected but play an active role in society.
This is the Green vision of independence, to create a different narrative for our country. One that abandons the failed, racist, right-wing direction of the UK and takes its own bold seat at the European table. A country that isn’t afraid to take a leadership role when it comes to renewable energy, workers’ rights and equality.
In fact, 2021 is a really important year when it comes to moving that vision forward. We have the COP26 climate conference coming to Glasgow. Scotland needs to bring more than a bunch of eye-catching emissions targets to that table.
If Scotland wants to be noticed over and above the UK as the “host country”, we need the SNP to step away from vested interests and step up to show some leadership on tackling the climate emergency.
Greens will push for investing in the renewables supply chain, retrofitting homes to make them warmer and more efficient, and making public transport free to reduce the reliance on the private car.
Next year will also see an election with independence on the agenda. Greens already ensure the Scottish Parliament has a majority in favour, but with polls consistently showing that the we can elect more MSPs next year, there’s a real chance that our clear vision for Scotland’s fairer and greener future can grow and play a major part in our country’s next chapter.
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