Twice we warned the independence movement, and twice we were attacked for telling the truth. Now events have vindicated us. It is time to stop repeating mistakes and start winning.
When ATLS stated that the “Both Votes SNP” strategy would let Unionists back into Holyrood, we were ridiculed and abused by SNP supporters. We were told we were wrong, divisive, and damaging the cause. We were not wrong. Unionist parties gained seats that a unified pro-independence vote could have denied them.
When ATLS warned that Westminster would reject any Section 30 request out of hand, we were again dismissed, insulted, and told we lacked strategy. We were not wrong. London has made its position crystal clear: no referendum, no negotiation, no surrender of power.
The pattern is now undeniable. Incrementalism, polite requests, and waiting for permission have failed. The movement is fragmented, frustrated, and falling behind. The people of Scotland deserve better than endless delay dressed up as tactics.We therefore call on every pro-independence party, organisation, and activist to unite behind a decisive plan:Collapse the Scottish Parliament at the earliest opportunity.
Forge a united front across the independence movement.
Deliver a national Independence Plebiscite this autumn – a clear, sovereign vote on whether Scotland should end the Union and restore its independence.
This is not another consultation or advisory poll. It is a plebiscite election that asks the Scottish people one direct question and treats their verdict as binding on the nation. Westminster may refuse to recognise it; history and democracy will not.
A decisive majority for independence creates a mandate that cannot be ignored and a political reality that cannot be wished away.
To those who previously attacked us: you were wrong before. Do not be wrong again. The window is narrowing. Another five years of managed decline and constitutional begging is not a strategy – it is surrender by instalment.
To every independence supporter, regardless of party: this is your invitation. Put differences aside, recognise the moment, and come together for the only action that matches the scale of our ambition. Collapse the Parliament. Unite the movement. Win independence this year.ATLS has consistently said what needed to be said even when it was uncomfortable.
We say it again today with confidence and without apology: the time for half-measures is over. Scotland is ready. The movement must now prove it is ready too.We stand ready to work with any and all who share this goal. The question is simple – will you join us?
I am, as ever in complete agreement with the tactic. I campaigned vigorously for a super majority (85) so we could do this very thing as stated in the Scotland act. As we all sadly know that didn’t happen!
My question. Are we really in the same position without a super majority to collapse Holyrood?(assuming Parliament voted to do it).
Westminster’s response came so fast it clearly showed as much contempt as possible by not even taking the time to fake a considered dismissal or reasoned explanation. Swinney and the SNP leadership have led our proud nation to a position where we have been treated like an infant by a fraught parent by begging for sweeties in the supermarket.
I agree wholeheartedly with what you’ve written. However I feel sure that John and his admiring supporters will dismiss it with the same disdain that Westminster has treated the vote yesterday…before the begging letter has even been typed. My fear is, that before we can take on Westminster..we will have to take on the leadership of the SNP because, like Thatcher…I strongly suspect thaythey…the biggest supposed champions of independence…are ‘not for turning’ They will try ( and possibly succeed) to persuade their party that it’s all in hand..there will be a nice placid softly softly genteel plan B strategy reminiscent of John Le Mesurier’s ‘awfully nice’ Sgt. Wilson in ‘Dad’s Army’ and we might eventually get ‘allowed’ another referendum with more strings attached than the cast of Thunderbirds! Perhaps the ripples from the Murrell affair might help overcome this fear by the timid to change their leadership and direction and maybe the true core of the SNP will welcome other ideas and strategies and recognise that their way isn’t the only way. I hope so. I see a long struggle ahead…and sadly…not all in face of Westminster.
With you all 100%
We must be able to organise a strong front
It’s only lying cheating fraudulent politicians
We have to deal with.
Put my name down for any campaigns , door to door and beyond
This is stirring stuff Roddy.
“We therefore call on every pro-independence party, organisation, and activist to unite behind a decisive plan:Collapse the Scottish Parliament at the earliest opportunity.
Forge a united front across the independence movement.
Deliver a national Independence Plebiscite this autumn – a clear, sovereign vote on whether Scotland should end the Union and restore its independence.”
What is this decisive plan?
How do you ‘deliver’ a ‘national Independence Plebiscite ‘ do you mean a ‘plebiscite election’?
At a minimum if one is calling for people to enact your plan, one must surely explain what than plan is.
Leaving aside that it would take the agreement of the SNP to ‘collapse’ the Scottish Parliament, what would be the point?
What would happen next?
What would the plan be?
What would that proposed hypothetical action be FOR?
Do you have some agreement or arrangement with the 2 largest Independence parties to comply with your plans?
If not how do you propose to proceed with any hypothetical arrangements that would require their collaboration?
If you want to ‘collapse the parliament’ with the aim of then being able to put in place whatever arrangements you are proposing to ‘hold an independence election’ then why weren’t those actions taken to make those arrangements happen before the election that has just passed to make THAT election serve as an ‘independence’ election?
How is it to be done?
If you have a plan for it to be done in a few months, why wasn’t it done already a few months ago, prior to the election?
These phrases like ‘collapse the Scottish Parliament’ and ‘plebiscite election’ are a form of shorthand which masks a significant number of moving parts behind the scenes.
At the moment there has not even been an attempt to explain HOW ‘A’ might lead to ‘B’ or how ‘B’ will lead to ‘C’
It is for you who is making these exhortations to the rest of us to demonstrate how that path of complexity can be navigated to reach our goal.