When those two Scottish patriots Kenny MacAskill and Neale Hanvey stood up at Westminster and spoke up for Scottish democracy, they fired the starting pistol on the independence campaign. The National newspaper, the SNP in House magazine had tried to credit Nicola Sturgeon with that accolade the previous week. Her rather insipid launch then was more of a damp squib than an independence explosive announcement.
Nicola’s ‘we would like a Section 30 if that is OK with Westminster and the Supreme Court pretty please,’ was a dereliction of Scotland’s sovereignty. Look at history Nicola, asking Westminster to please do the right thing is like expecting you to apologise to Alex Salmond and the entire YES Movement for your destructive behaviour over the past eight years.
Nicola followed this stupidity up by trying to assuage the unionist critics that in any Plebiscite election it would be two tiers, not just a majority of seats but would also require 50%+ of the votes cast. She seems more intent in addressing Unionist criticisms than gaining us our independence.
Her second paper on independence ‘Renewing Democracy Through Independence’ was a very amateurish slapdash paper. It read as if written by a 6th former modern studies student. Lots of clichés and soundbites and not much else. From her ‘independence’ announcement onwards, this whole thing has seemed to have been all made up on the hoof. It certainly does not feel like it is something that has been the work of eight years of planning, discussion and strategic deliberations. It again seems Nicola is being reactive, not being proactive. Everything she does seems to be for the moment to address a current issue. Hence her preponderance to jump on any passing bandwagon.
Alba and the growing impatience of the YES Grassroots are becoming a threat to the SNP hegemony. She needed to be seen to be doing something to try and halt the tide.That is exactly how this ‘SNP campaign launch’ looks. Soundbites set press conferences and not a lot else. There is no back up to her announcements. The only organisation in the YES Movement with no plans to campaign over the summer months is the SNP! All the YES Movement and all the Unionists parties are campaigning on independence every day. The SNP, though, are all off on holiday. Go figure!
Independence seems to have become an inconvenient burden to Nicola Sturgeon and her NuSNP colleagues.They have to keep up the pretence to support indy to keep getting elected however it really does not seem it is even a strong aspiration anymore with Sturgeon. For the eight years of her leadership, there has been no work whatsoever done on moving us forward from 2014.
The questions on Currency, Borders and EU ascension still remain unanswered. Neither her NEC nor Party Conference has ever held a single discussion on independence. Those in her party that have agitated for independence have been sidelined or expelled.Trying to discuss independence at party conference gets you booed! Trying to get the currency decision of the party members gets you suspended. Speak up for the rights of women (that is adult human females!) will get you ostracised and bullied incessantly.
Independence is for electioneering purposes only! This latest flurry by Sturgeon is a reaction to the growing unrest in the wider Scottish public. ALBA, SSRG, SALVO, NOW Scotland, AUOB are all on ground that the SNP believes only belongs to them.
That is why the usual SNP suspects have attacked and traduced everyone of these organisations! They have not embraced a single one of these pro independence bodies, that in itself should tell you all you need to know about SNP commitment to independence.
Meanwhile, the First Minister marches with the Pride Movement. She encourages Stonewall ideology and Queer Theory into every aspect of the Scottish Government jurisdictions. It is especially scary that Queer Theory has been introduced to our schoolchildren! Independence? Hardly mentioned except as a carrot for the faithful. This is an uncomfortable truth for too many in the YES Movement.
With each passing day I am expecting Nicola to announce she tried but big bad Westminster said no to a Referendum. It seems she only wants get back to important things I her life like, getting men into woman’s safe spaces and sports Giving her opinion on Anglo matters like the leader of the English Tory Party. The situation in Ukraine, anything except Independence!
Every opportunity that arises to press the independence cause it seems Nicola and the SNP want to dampen down the rising feelings. Two declarations this week made that very clear, Firstly the First Minister on the biggest independence story in years, the expulsions of Neale and Kenny from Westminster.
It seems that Nicola thinks eight years of SNP inaction is what we need to continue ‘doing well.’ Sitting like obedient little Brits in England’s Parliament and doing nothing to upset our Imperial masters is a recipe for independence the SNP would have us believe? Understand this Nicola, playing by the Westminster Rules gets you nothing but grief!
The SNP MP Kirsty Blackman gave us even more information on the SNP mindset to independence.
Kirsty Blackman: “I am not in Westminster to pressure the government for a referendum. Constitutional issues are not my biggest concern. In fact, I very rarely talk about Scottish independence in the commons.”
Nothing could be starker than these words from a leading SNP Woke activist and until recently the Deputy SNP Leader at Westminster. “rarely talk about Scottish independence!” What a thing to say. Does she think she was elected to advance the policies and cause of Stonewall?
It must surely now be obvious to all independence supporters that the SNP are not the vehicle to see Scotland independent and free of English rule?
For that to happen it will be down to the grassroots of the movement. We have seen ALBA Party touring the country launching the Wee ALBA book on independence. They are filling out venues throughout Scotland. No summer recess for Alex Salmond and the team!
SALVO’s recent launch suggesting that we need to use our Claim of Right and Constitution as part of an arsenal towards the goal of independence was likewise warmly welcomed and attended by ordinary Scots.
SSRG similarly have been touring the country promoting their Manifesto for Indy and detailing how we can utilise the Treaty of Union as part of our strategy to regain our independence. They are also holding a three-day convention later this month in Dunfermline to bring these ideas and strategies to the people.
Now Scotland and AUOB are also mobilising their members and supporters to press the case for our liberation!
In all these instances the SNP has declined or downright refused to engage with the greater YES Movement. In fact worse still an SNP splinter group is demanding that anyone that wants to even campaign for independence needs to sign up to their narrow woke ideals before being deemed worthy to fight for our nations independence. It is preposterous in the extreme these immature adults are wanting to practice student sect like politics as our nation is being torn asunder by the English Tory Party.
A new Tory PM is about to be elected. Everyone of the English candidates has stated quite openly they will never agree to another Independence Referendum. It does not matter to them how often and how many Scots vote for independence mandated parties England’s politicians will always ignore the Scottish voters.
Meantime, Nicola Sturgeon thinks her MPs are doing a fine job sitting in this undemocratic cesspit of a chamber. The status quo it seems is fine by Nicola. It might be fine for Nicola and her green bench warmers, it is not good enough for Scotland!
We need all the YES Movement to unite. I have been pleading with Sturgeon for over three years now to unify us, she is incapable of unity. She is divisive and sadly lacks even an ounce of strategic or collegiate sense. Rather than wait for her to change her ways, we need to force the issue. Let us all support as many of the grassroots activities as we can over the summer.
Let us plan a unity march for October in Edinburgh from Holyrood to Bute House. Let us make our feelings well known. It is time to burst out of the social media bubble and take our campaign into the streets and towns of Scotland.
We need to agitate and demonstrate! Scotland’s independence now needs to be determined by the sovereign Scottish people, not the people we elected to do that job. They have proved themselves incapable or willing to do that task.
Those so-called independence MPs that sat there as Kenny and Neale were abused out of the chamber have proven themselves unworthy of our trust any longer. The member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil being the exception, the only one of them that shouted out Nay when racist Hoyle regained his compusure and asked for a confirming vote for the expulsion!
If we want independence, then it is up to us the grassroots of the YES Movement to make it happen. Where we lead the politicians will follow.
Saor Alba gu brath!
Many Facebook sites are increasingly censoring bloggers like myself who are sometimes critical of the actions of the SNP and the Scottish Government. They are attempting to prevent bloggers from getting their message out, so we have to depend on readers sharing the blog posts. If you liked this post or others I have written, please share this and take out a free subscription by clicking the follow button on the home page or on the posts. You will then be notified by email of any new posts on the blog. Thank you.
More of this please! Great to read first thing in the morning, Sets a person up for the day! Thank you, Roddy.
TY and you are most welcome Jan.
Well said Roddy, and all the other posters – here’s my twa penn’orth
Anyone still believing SNP are fighting for independence can take a long walk off a short pier – sorry, but I’m fed up being kind tae the Sturgeon Fan Children. Either get a grip or get oot o’ ma face – she has had EIGHT YEARS and achieved absolutely bugger all. Nothing. Nichts. Nada. Rien.
The number one reason, the only reason, for the SNP to exist is to get Scotland’s independence back, to dissolve the Union. Has she done anything to achieve this – no she hasn’t. If my staff review looked anything like Mrs Sturgeon’s I would no longer be working – they would give me six months tae get ma sweet ass in gear, maybe a wee bit longer due tae ma length of service but then it would be “Cheerio MM, don’t embarrass us by asking furra reference”
Jeezo, even the tory party finally realised that Johnson had reached the point of no return and he’s only been arsing it up since 2019 – imagine that, the tories have been more on the ball vis à vis KPIs and employee performance than the Scots, a people who pride themselves on spotting an erse wipe at 100 paces
As for the plebiscite “confusion” over seats v percentages, ah kin jist imagine that conversation in Bute House :
Sturgeon : “So when the S30 is rejected, I’ll say the GE in 2024 is a plebiscite vote”
Advisor : “Will that be majority of seats won or gaining over 50% of votes cast?”
Sturgeon : “Which is more difficult?”
Advisor : “Oh getting over 50% of the votes cast, especially if you say only SNP votes count. Seats would be better, we have form there”
Sturgeon : “Right, votes cast for the SNP only it is then – and I might say to the new PM I’ll make it a 60% threshold to be fair to the unionists”
The only way we are going to take back our freedom is to do it without the SNP – we will do it despite them. Those cowards and lickspittles who sat tight while Kenny and Neale stood up for Scotland have shown their true colours – aye, and yellow suits them very well.
Saor Alba!
“Those cowards and lickspittles who sat tight while Kenny and Neale stood up for Scotland have shown their true colours”.
Indeed! For the sake of honesty and accuracy: let no one forget that it was every last one of the SNP PP present in that chamber, without exception, who remained seated. One of them heard shouting “No” still adds up to zero support from them. Nada, f—all!
If the SNP where real Patriots they would remove their duff dud Unionists leader and get someone in who was interested in delivering Independence. Sadly I think they have become like their Labour predecessors. Their snot is in the gravy train they have got use to the big Westminster money and incidently the Westminster game where you dont have to do anything but turn up to enrich yourself with 82k wages and 250k expenses . Sinn Fein knows this game of how the British state turns their opponents into compliant sheep and this is why they dont take part , money and power corupts. We need a campaign to get her out!.
We have had enough of liars and charletings, Sturgeon is definitely up their on par with Boris.
She once said about herself she suffers from imposter syndrome, currently this is the only thing I agree with her on she is an imposter.
Dissolve the Union.
Kirsty Blackman: “I am not in Westminster to pressure the government for a referendum. Constitutional issues are not my biggest concern. In fact, I very rarely talk about Scottish independence in the commons.”
The damned insolence of a spoiled brat, troughing, fraudster who sees nothing wrong with her fraud.
If I was Ian Blackford, Kirsty Blackman wouldn’t need a plane ticket to fly home.
What a despicable shower of tossers.
I revile Boris Johnson and everything he stands for, but at least he’s honest about stabbing Scotland in the back. Johnson’s a predator out to get us, but Scotland’s Westminster carrot farmers are simply parasites gorging themselves on Scotland’s hope.
Another highly accurate synopsis of the state of play, Roddy, weel duin. Postcolonial theory also explains the stage (in the decolonisation process) we have now reached, as amply reflected in the events we witnessed in the Imperial Parliament last week:
“We have seen that inside the national parties, the will break colonialism is linked with another quite different will: that of coming to a friendly agreement with it. Within these parties the two processes will sometimes continue side by side. In the first place, when the intellectual elements (i.e. SSRG, Salvo, Indy bloggers) have carried out a prolonged analysis of the true nature of colonialism and of the international situation, they will begin to criticize their party’s lack of ideology and the poverty of its tactics and strategy. They begin to question their leaders ceaselessly on crucial points: ‘What is nationalism? What sense do you give to this word? What is its meaning? Independence for what? And in the first place, how do you propose to achieve it?’ They ask these questions, and at the same time require that the problems of methodology should be vigorously tackled. They are ready to suggest that electoral resources should be supplemented by ‘all other means’.” (Frantz Fanon)
https://wp.towson.edu/iajournal/spring-2022-2/
100% appropriate, Alf. Fanon, might have written those words just yesterday, with Scotland in mind. That he wrote them over fifty years ago, must surely tell us something about the analysis and progress of the independence movement thus far.
If their job isn’t to secure Independence then what is there job. How can the SNP do a job well, when they never achieve anything that’s benefitted Scotland or its people and if they did we’d be looking forward to a Referendum next year and we’re not. We all remember this poster “My vow is to make Scotland stronger at Westminster” when I seen this poster it made me cringe because it was entirely the wrong message to send, but it’s me that was wrong, it was the right message for the New SNP it just wasn’t right for a SNP & Independence supporter for 33yrs.
I’ve never seen so many blind people running about a country as I’ve seen in Scotland and not one of them has a dog for blind or a white stick, you have got be blind not to notice that the SNP including its leader are about money and job and nothing else.
What totally surprised me was John Swinney saying a Plebiscite was about how many seats the SNP could take at Westminster and straight away Sturgeon corrected him with her statement about votes, this told me one alarming fact that.
Mrs Murrell will hold on to power for as long as possible and when she done the cause of Independence will be so much harder to acheive, action is needed now so count me in.
In Sturgeon you have the worst possible combination. Somebody far too thick and ill informed to make the right decision to begin with, but then once they’ve blundered, someone far too arrogant and stubborn to admit they made a made a mistake, and come hell or high water they’ll stick with their bad decision whatever the cost.
How in God’s name did such a noble cause as Scotland Independence, at a time of such crisis and constitutional threat from Westminster, and social calamity in our disappearing rural communities, somehow allow these charlatans to worm themselves into such an unassailable position of authority?
Those seats were intended for Scottish patriots! Patriots who’s job it was to save Scotland from catastrophe! Instead these useless nobodies ARE the disaster, and they react like selfish, petulant children when criticised by an increasingly angry YES movement.
Nevermind Sturgeon’s 1984 trope, Sturgeon’s government is more like Lord of the Flies, with hate filled, feral adolescents running about out of control.
There is the uncomfortable possibility that this most definitely is the result of 8 years of planning and this is the best that they can come up with.
Look to her peers in the European Commission. If you win the PR battle, does it really matter that Ukraine is getting chewed into tiny pieces by the Luhansk and Donetsk militias?
Expect a DevoMax solution that is sold as independence.
Well said, however Scots need to stop referring to the English government as Westminster/UK. This permits the lie that they have dominion to go unchallenged. The fact is the parliament houses both Scottish and English governments as equals. There is no GB/UK law. There is only Scots and English. Therefore this should be driven home. England has no authority in and over Scotland. Additionally, isn’t it time that the Scots stopped referring to themselves as “grassroots” and instead as Sovereign Scots? After all, it is the sovereignty of the Scots that is being exercised in the streets and when having discussions on the subject of Scotland and its constitutional future. It is time to step it up and make it 100% clear to both the representatives of the sovereign nation state of Scotland and to the English government just who they are dealing with. No more playing by England’s rules or playing nice. The Scots are from wise warrior stock. Let’s stop playing dumb and start acting as the nation we aspire to be.
Brilliant and well said. I agree with every word. It`s clear many SNP members cling to their beliefs and hopes in the party from 2014. Hopefully one day soon they will engage with the reality of Sturgeon`s SNP of 2022 and realise they are two very different parties.
An EXCELLENT article, Roddy. Thank you!
“… and they do it well.” Really? 62% of Scots voted to REMAIN in EU. But brexit was foisted on us. Those parodies of Scots independentistas didn’t stop brexit ‘very well, did they! The Internal Market Bill where WM are taking back all our powers… her Scottish MPs didn’t stop THAT very well, did they! They insisted Scots couldn’t be held in the union against our will. Guess what?? :>( They didn’t argue THAT very well either!! So I have to ask, “What exactly HAVE THEY DONE WELL?”
I believe Gayle is right – we have to reframe (God I hate that word! But it seemed to fit so well!) our thinking & language & refuse to use the subjugated, tired old tropes that we’ve been brought up to believe & repeat – that the Supreme Court is, well… supreme! NOT IN SCOTLAND IT ISN’T. That powers over Scottish law is Reserved or Devolved – when ALL the powers OF Scotland, belongs TO Scotland & SCOTS, NONE of them belong to WM. We have to learn to say ‘NO’, we have to learn to tell unionists to show us where THEY inherited control over the whole union shebang, where the Treaty says THEY are in control! We have to INSIST they show us where this power over Scots originated from! Because as far as I am aware, there is NO SUCH LEGISLATION!
Scotgov’s part (and Blackman’s statement) in keeping that particular charade going, is leading, I believe, to their ‘final act’. Less & less I’m seeing the SNP fan club proclaim Nicola has got it right (unless every single one has blocked me. Which is a possibility. 😉 . I AM seeing many, many reactivated BOT accounts, but not the usual cult proclaiming they’re the only party in town. I’m sure I have seen ‘the fat lady’ walking toward the stage with her sheet music…. And the Claim of Right is, I believe, going to Claim the ‘encore’…
I am personally of the opinion that NS has no intention of ever getting Scotland to independence. I think her la vender spouse is the back room boy marking her trajectory into NGA’s and UN high table dosh
We need a sovereign citizens arrest team.
Indeed we do
needhave an A-Team. We too need to take to the streets. We can have it all.SCOTLAND IS A SOVEREIGN NATION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAGUJsUz0xQ
The easy test for any doubters. Does it feel like an independence Campaign? Do you see any activity? Do you sense any excitement? Do you talk about the press releases with your friends?
No! Me neither.
Any independence campaign that includes Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP will fail she is an agent provocateur & a 5th Columnist, not only is she doing nothing to advance the cause of independence she is actively & covertly working against it and has been since at least 2017, I think we need organisations like Alba, SSRG, Salvo, Now Scotland, AUOB etc to join together in unity and speak with one voice, and take the campaign out of her hands and her Vichy government and into the hands of the people.
I think you’re right. Let’s see if the SSRG conference at the end of the month might act as a springboard for an alliance of that kind.
Agree with all of that except the last line. We need to lead, but I don’t want any of those useless troughers and those who’ve deliberately destroyed the movement and tried to jail Alex following us, no doubt in the hope they can jump another gravy train. We elect politicians to lead. They’ve had every chance to do that and not only haven’t, but haven’t even found the backbone to stand up to good people being hounded out, smeared and taken down.
There’s still a tiny window of time for some of them to redeem themselves by standing up to the leadership, or going to Alba, or starting some kind of real agitation to get independence done, but it’s a rapidly closing one.
Great piece, horribly accurate.
The only comfort I take from SNP attacks on other parties is their fear is showing – sniff the air and you can smell it, their cosy comfy seats are under threat and they know it .BUT , as their voters melt away Scotland is left in a bad position and I blame the cowardly SNP for that.
Roddy,I said on here a year ago that all independence/yes marches should be to our parliament and Bute house. They should be regular occurrences, until the quisling in Bute house gets the message. They also shouldn’t be friendly in nature,but angry and intimidating.