Scottish Independence Guide: Scottish Independence News INDEPENDENCE FIRST PLAN NEXT DEMO ON 31st MARCH Independence First, the independence referendum campaign are planning another large demonstration in Edinburgh on 31st March. Kevin Williamson a local member of the Edinburgh group told the SIG "This march will be altogether bigger and better than our rally on 30th September. Our branch has just held a very successful Burns Supper, our branch meetings are extremely popular and we have a very talented group of activists. We will be playing a leading role in organising this demo and I think we can build on the success of the last one." Anyone who would like to join the Edinburgh group should contact Kev by email. Independence First are also expanding into the Glasgow area. They held a launch event recently and are now holding their inaugural branch meeting in the STUC premises at 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow on Saturday 17th February from 1pm - 3pm. Local IF activist Eric Canning has written to around forty contacts from the launch event and to existing branch members in the Glasgow area. Eric can be contacted on 0141 248 9994 or you can email John Patrick. Lloyd Quinan interviewed by Teleindipendentzia (Sardinia)
www.scottishindependence.com/sardinia.htm Excellent highly professional video, well done iRS! See above link for more information about the fight for independence in Sardinia. WORLD CUP OWN GOAL FOR CHANCELLOR
Labour Chancellor Gordon Brown has provoked a storm by appearing to back England to host and win the football World Cup in 2018 - and not his native Scotland. Mr Brown said he would like "the host" to win such a competition, adding that "of course, Scotland will do well". SNP leader Alex Salmond said the comments made Mr Brown look "ridiculous in Scotland and insincere in England". Later Mr Brown said in a statement: "My ideal scenario is that Scotland play England in the final and Scotland win." The MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath added: "But if we don't qualify, or we go out in an earlier round, then I would transfer my allegiance to the other home nation, England." Mr Salmond said: "Gordon Brown is fast becoming a figure of fun in these matters. "First he said that Paul Gascoigne's goal against Scotland in Euro 96 was his favourite football moment, then he supported a British Olympic team and now he seems to have completely lost the plot." It was reported on Friday that Mr Brown would meet Fifa president Sepp Blatter next month. The meeting has been set up by Sports Minister Richard Caborn for 28 February with a bid for the World Cup at the top of the agenda. Mr Brown, who is likely to become prime minister when Tony Blair stands down later this year, has firmly attached himself to an England bid. The Fifa president's influence will be a major factor in the success of any bid and he said last year he would welcome a bid from England as "the home of football" for 2018. Mr Brown and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell last year launched a joint feasibility study into a bid. That study is due to be published shortly and will be strongly supportive of the Football Association bidding to host the 2018 finals. The chancellor is understood to view a successful World Cup bid as the sort of publicity coup which Mr Blair has enjoyed following London's success in landing the 2012 Olympics. Questioned in Mumbai by the BBC's political editor Nick Robinson, Mr Brown said: "It will be great. Fifty years after we had it before. It is the right time for England to have it. It will mean we would have a most magnificent sporting decade with the Olympics in 2012 and the World Cup in 2018. All the effort to win England's place for the World Cup is going to happen in the next year or two." Asked then who he wanted to win the World Cup, Mr Brown replied: "I think the host." When asked "Not Scotland?", the Chancellor replied: "Well, of course, I want Scotland to do well, but let's just see how it all works out."
INDEPENDENCE FOR SCOTLAND WOULD BE CRAZY, SAYS BLAIR Tony Blair yesterday marked the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union by warning that "it would be crazy for Scotland to be wrenched out of the UK". Mr Blair said at Downing Street: "If Scotland ends up with an independence bill and referendums on Scottish independence, then you are just going to create a situation of enormous uncertainty and instability." He has sent a close adviser, John McTernan, to help direct the Labour campaign, largely based on the consequences of independence, a formula that worked four years ago. The SNP chose the anniversary to unveil a poster campaign saying the union had been foisted on Scotland. In Edinburgh, the party's leader, Alex Salmond, likened Mr Blair and Gordon Brown to the "parcel of rogues" who, according to contested history, agreed to union without the people's consent - the phrase of Robert Burns alleges Scottish parliamentarians were bribed with English gold. Mr Salmond said: "Those in the London parties who would deny the people their right to choose are the political reincarnation of the 'parcel of rogues' of 1707 who sold Scotland away."
SSP MSP's ARRESTED AT TRIDENT PROTEST Eight people, including two Scottish Socialist MSPs, have been arrested during an anti-nuclear protest. Two Plaid Cymru politicians were also arrested after three people chained themselves together at the main gate of the Faslane base on the Clyde. SSP MSPs Rosie Kane and Carolyn Leckie, and Plaid Cymru's Jill Evans MEP and Leanne Wood AM were protesting against the renewal of Trident. BROWN BACKS ENGLAND TO WIN WORLD CUP MUMBAI: England should host the 2018 World Cup football Finals, British finance minister and prime minister-in-waiting Gordon Brown said on Friday. “The next decade could become the best ever for British sport, with the Olympics in 2012 followed by the World Cup in 2018. We can and will win the World Cup for England,” he told reporters. London beat competition from Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow to host the 2012 Olympics and Brown’s ministry will release a feasibility study next week backing a bid to host the 2018 World Cup, Treasury officials said.
POLITICAL ROLE FOR MULLAN Scottish actor and director Peter Mullan is to produce the first election broadcast for Tommy Sheridan's new political party. The award-winning writer and director will team up with My Name Is Joe co-stars Davie McKay and Martin McCardie. Their film will be shown during Solidarity's Scottish election campaign in May. Sheridan formed Solidarity after his split from the Scottish Socialist Party following his libel case victory. Mullan is along - time supporter of the MSP. Sheridan said: "To attract such highly regarded professionals to the campaign is a real boost." AXE SCOTTISH OFFICE SAY SNP The leader of the SNP has called for the Scotland Office to be abolished and for the money saved to be invested in the health service. Alex Salmond said its £6.4m annual budget would be better used improving accident and emergency services. He said that since Labour came to power in 1997, Scotland had lost eight A&E services. However, former Scotland Office minister George Foulkes said the department had strengthened devolution. Mr Salmond said: "By getting rid of this office in London we could free up millions of pounds each year that could be used instead to protect the vital services at Ayr and Monklands, now threatened by a Labour and Liberal Democrat Scottish Executive. "It's time to focus on the people's priorities and spend less on jobs for the Labour boys in London and more on keeping health care in Scotland local." However, Lord Foulkes said: "This proves Alex Salmond's ignorance on two counts. "First he clearly knows nothing about how government works."Secondly, it shows he doesn't recognise the role of the Scotland Office plays in arguing Scotland's corner in government and strengthening devolution - two things the SNP are entirely opposed to with their dangerous plans to break up Britain."
First Minister Jack McConnell - a poor advert for Scotland who takes his orders from Tony Blair in London. MCCONNELL 'HAS MIND MADE UP FOR HIM' ON TRIDENT Labour party First Minister Jack McConnell today came under fire from the SNP and his Liberal Democrat coalition allies for backing plans to keep Britain's nuclear deterrent. In clashes at Question Time, SNP Holyrood leader Nicola Sturgeon accused him of being out of touch with the majority of Scots on the issue - and with the majority of his own party. The Question Time clash began with Nicola Sturgeon recalling that Mr McConnell had previously refused to give his views on replacing theTrident nuclear missile system. On Monday morning his office said he still had an open mind - but on Monday evening he said he agreed with the Government's decision to replace Trident, she told MSPs. "What were the compelling arguments that turned the First Minister from don't know to gung ho in seven hours?" she demanded.
Mr McConnell told her: "It's easier to comment on a decision after it has been made than before it's made. "Miss Sturgeon may find it easy to have a preconceived position regardless of the evidence or analysis or proper discussion, but I take a far more serious approach to my responsibilities and to the defence of the nation." He said he believed the decision announced by the Westminster Government was right on two grounds. He did not believe in "unilateral action" to disarm Scotland or the UK -and he also believed it was right to announce that the number of Trident warheads would be reduced, along with reductions in the number of submarines on duty. "I also believe it was right to indicate that in the next UK Parliament there will be a further decision to be made on the future of the warheads themselves," said Mr McConnell. "On all of those bases, I believe the decision was right for the moment, while offering further opportunities for multilateral disarmament in the future - and this is right for Britain and right for the world." But Ms Sturgeon retorted: "What happened on Monday was that the Prime Minister told the First Minister what his view was to be, and the First Minister complied. "She demanded of Mr McConnell: "Doesn't the Government's White Paper make nuclear proliferation more likely, not less likely? "She said Tony Blair had described nuclear weapons as the "ultimate insurance" and a vital element of national security, and had also said he would be prepared to use them in a first-strike attack. "What does the First Minister say to other countries that cite their national security and their need for an insurance policy as justification for developing nuclear weapons of their own?" McConnell said he welcomed the Government's decision to reduce the number of warheads by 20%, the number of submarines if possible by 25%,and moves allowing a future parliament a decision on whether the warheads should be renewed."I think that's the right decision for multilateral disarmament worldwide, the right decision in an uncertain world - and a decision the SNP could never take because they are not serious about government or the defence of the nation - and they're certainly not serious about being in Britain." Ms Sturgeon said: "Just one nuclear warhead can wipe out entire populations - that's why they are morally wrong." She continued: "The decision to replace Trident, publicly backed on Monday by the First Minister, represents the most appalling hypocrisy and robs the UK of any moral authority in arguing the case for non-proliferation." The First Minister is out of touch not only with the majority of Scots on this issue, but also with those in his own party who say in a parliamentary motion tabled yesterday that there is convincing military, economic and political case for the non-renewal case of Trident." She urged Mr McConnell to have "the courage and honesty" to make the case against new weapons of mass destruction instead of "meekly following Tony Blair's line". Mr McConnell told MSPs she appeared to be arguing the world would be safer, and it would be morally right, for only other countries to have nuclear weapons in a dangerous world. "I believe, as I have said consistently in this chamber for at least six months now, that the only way to reduce the nuclear arsenal worldwide is through multilateral action, and certainly not through weakness," he said. And it was "essential" that Britain continued along the path first set by Tories, and followed by the Labour Government, of continuing to reduce Britain's nuclear arsenal. He said of the Government's announcement last Monday: "These are the right decisions for multilateral disarmament, the right decisions for the security of our nation - and the right decisions in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world." Ms Sturgeon told MSPs there were eight countries with nuclear weapons but 180 countries without them. "I want Scotland to be in the majority," she said. She went on to argue that the difference between Mr McConnell and the SNP was that he was happy to see £25 billion "wasted" on nuclear bombs, while the SNP wanted it spent on better health, education and pensions." He's for weapons of mass destruction, we stand for building a better Scotland for all - isn't that why more and more people want to see an SNP government?" she said. ST ANDREWS DAY MARCH 2006
Film of this years St Andrews Day March along Princes Street. BRITAIN WANTS UK TO BREAK UP POLLS SHOW
A clear majority of people in both England and Scotland are in favour of full independence for Scotland, an ICM opinion poll for The Sunday Telegraph has found. Independence is backed by 52 per cent of Scots while an astonishing 59 per cent of English voters want Scotland to go it alone. There is also further evidence of rising English nationalism with support for the establishment of an English parliament hitting an historic high of 68 per cent amongst English voters. Almost half – 48 per cent – also want complete independence for England, divorcing itself from Wales and Northern Ireland as well. Scottish voters also back an English breakaway with 58 per cent supporting an English parliament with similar powers to the Scottish one. The poll comes only months before the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union between England and Scotland and will worry all three main political parties. None of them favours Scottish independence, but all have begun internal debates on the future of the constitution. The dramatic findings came as Gordon Brown, the favourite to succeed Tony Blair as Prime Minister, delivered an impassioned defence of the Union at Labour's Scottish conference in Oban yesterday. In an attack on the Scottish National Party, against whom Labour will fight a bitter battle for control of the Edinburgh-based parliament next May, the Chancellor claimed: "We should never let the Nationalists deceive people into believing that you can break up the United Kingdom." The ICM poll told a very different story, however, with 60 per cent of English voters complaining that higher levels of public spending per head of the population in Scotland were "unjustified", compared to 28 per cent claiming they were justified. Even among Scots, 36 per cent said the system was unfair, with only 51 per cent supporting it. Voters also had serious concerns about the so-called West Lothian Question, the ability of Scottish MPs at Westminster to vote on solely English matters while many purely Scottish issues are decided in Edinburgh. Sixty-two per cent of English voters want Scottish MPs stripped of this right and even 46 per cent of Scots agreed. The poll showed that the English are more likely to think of themselves as British than the Scots are. Only 16 per cent of English people said they were "English, not British", compared to 26 per cent of Scots who said they were "Scottish, not British." In the sporting arena, 70 per cent of English people said they would support a Scottish team playing football or rugby against a nation other than England. But, when the question was put to Scots, only 48 per cent said they would back England with 34 per cent supporting their opponents, no matter which country it was.
Mr Brown said: "There is a debate to be had about the future of the United Kingdom. But I think when you look at the arguments — at the family ties, the economic connections, the shared values, the history of our relationship which has lasted 300 years — people will decide we are stronger together and weaker apart." Mr Cameron said: "The union between England, Scotland and Wales is good for us all and we are stronger together than we are apart. The last thing we need is yet another parliament with separate elections and more politicians spending more money." Sir Menzies Campbell, the Lib Dem leader, called for a "calm rational debate" on the role of MPs from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at Westminster. "The last thing we need is knee-jerk opportunistic political responses." Alex Salmond, the SNP leader, said: "In England, people quite rightly resent Scottish Labour MPs bossing them about on English domestic legislation. England has as much right to self government as Scotland does." FORMER HERALD EDITOR JOINS INDEPENDENCE CONVENTION
A former editor of The Herald newspaper has joined a campaign calling for Scottish independence. Harry Reid, author of a recently-published history of the Scottish press, Deadline, has signed up with the Scottish Independence Convention, saying: “I’ve been a ‘fellow traveller’ for a year or so now, yet somehow I’ve never quite faced up to what both my heart and my head have been telling me: that an independent Scotland could – and almost certainly would – be a better Scotland.” An author also of books about the Church of Scotland and Scottish football, Mr Reid was editor of The Herald when it was urging a yes-yes vote during the 1997 devolution referendum. He continued: “I further believe that the Union is finished, and that England could benefit greatly from rediscovering itself by going through the potentially positive process of becoming English rather than British. “And then my old friend and colleague, [The Herald’s former political editor] Murray Ritchie, bludgeoned me into writing this short piece [for the Convention’s website]. So, let me come out and scream it: I believe in, and now I earnestly desire, an independent Scotland.” The war in Iraq is one of the reasons for Reid’s decision. “This man Blair – surely the worst British leader in living memory – has been responsible for the worst thing I can recall the British state doing. That is, the reckless and illegal invasion of a sovereign foreign country, Iraq.” Continues Reid: “And what has this to do with an independent Scotland? It is quite simple. An independent Scotland would never ever misuse its power in this manner. I could never imagine, in a thousand years, an independent Scotland sending its army to invade a far-off country on such phoney pretexts.” POLL PREDICTS LABOUR WIPE OUT AT COUNCIL LEVEL
Scottish Labour are set to lose almost half of their councillors as well as the control of 12 local authorities next year, according to a new opinion poll. If the figures are reflected in May's council elections, First Minister Jack McConnell's party would only have a majority of seats in North Lanarkshire. It would be Labour's worst result in a local authority election and signal the end of the party's domination of local government politics in Scotland. The figures are contained in a YouGov poll commissioned by the SNP. Around 1000 people were asked in November about their voting intentions for next May's council elections. Alex Salmond's SNP polled 28%, up 4% from the last local authority election in 2003, while Labour slumped to 27%, down six points from three years ago. The Liberal Democrats were shown to be up marginally to 16%, while the Conservatives were down 1% from 2003 to 15%. Another category, marked "Independent/Others", gathered 15% support. But it is the 5% swing away from Labour to the SNP that will worry election strategists in McConnell's party. Labour were expecting to lose dozens of councillors next year because of the introduction of proportional representation, but a dip in the party vote would be a double disaster. An analysis of the poll findings found that a 5% swing would result in a "near wipe-out" of Labour-held councils next year. Labour currently has more than 500 councillors and controls 13 of Scotland's 32 local authorities. Such a result would see Labour lose overall control of 12 councils, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, South Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire. McConnell's party would have to consider forming coalitions with others if they still wanted to control these local authorities. Only North Lanarkshire would remain in Labour hands. The SNP report claims the poll indicates a "revolution in Scottish local government bringing to an end decades of Labour domination". It adds: "Due to proportional representation and low Labour poll ratings Labour seem ready to crumble at local level." Another YouGov question on the council election, this time based on those "certain to vote", was even better for the SNP. The poll found support for the Nationalists at 30%, up 6% on 2003, while Labour trailed in second place at 26%, down seven points from three years ago. If reflected in the council election result next year, the SNP would end up with 385 councillors, a gain of 211. Labour would be left with 319 local government politicians, down 190 from 2003. This would mean the Nationalists winning more council seats than Labour for the first time in their history. The Liberal Democrats, on 14%, have been predicted to gain 18 council seats, while the Tories would lose two compared with the 2003 election. The heavy losses have prompted Labour's local bosses to start coalition talks with other political groupings ahead of next year's poll. Already the local parties in Edinburgh and Glasgow have reportedly been in talks with the Liberal Democrats to see if a post-election pact would be viable. SNP leader Salmond said the poll was further evidence of a Labour meltdown in Scotland. "One of the final bulwarks holding the Labour Party in Scotland together is their domination of local government. That now, too, is coming to an end. The very foundations of Scottish Labour are collapsing," he said. MSPS REJECT INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM CALLS
MSPs today (15/11) voted down calls for Holyrood to debate holding a referendum on Scottish independence. The campaign group Independence First had put forward a petition to the Scottish Parliament on the issue. It attracted more than 1,300 signatures in support and called on MSPs to debate what the Parliament could do to bring about an early referendum but members of Holyrood's Public Petitions Committee voted by six to three to simply note the petition and close it, taking no further action. Sandra White, the SNP MSP for the Glasgow region, had wanted to find out ministers' views on the matter. She insisted: "I think the Scottish Parliament does have the powers to look at this, setting up a referendum. There's nothing to stop the Scottish Parliament arranging for a referendum because that would not involve a change in the law." That was supported by former SNP member Campbell Martin. Mr Martin, now an independent MSP for the West of Scotland, said the unionist parties should not be scared of holding such a vote. He said: "If you are not scared of democracy and people power, I don't see why you shouldn't ask the people this question and why the Scottish Parliament should not play a part in doing that. Let's ask the Executive whether it can do anything to facilitate such a referendum and what its position would be." But Jackie Baillie, the Labour MSP for Dumbarton, argued Scots had had their say on the issue at last year's general election. She said: "At the last democratic opportunity for people to voice their opinion on this, the general election, I believe the share of the vote for parties supporting independence dropped substantially." And committee convener Michael McMahon pointed out people would also have the chance to make their feelings known at next year's Scottish Parliament elections. He said: "We will have a debate called an election, political parties will be elected, some of them will say: 'We will have a referendum.' If the outcome of that is that those parties win, then they can take that issue up and they can debate it." He spoke out against the idea of writing to the Executive on the matter, saying: "At the present time the Scottish Executive doesn't support independence. There's no point in us writing to the Executive for the Executive to tell us exactly what we already know." Afterwards Joe Middleton, the media officer for Independence First commented: "A UK wide election with a biased media concentrating on London based parties is hardly an accurate representation of Scotland's feelings about independence! " “It is a great pity that the executive has not only decided to ignore all the people who signed our e-petition, but also the two and a half million people who according to opinion polls support independence. The idea that the results of the last election gave a clear indication of the public's thoughts on constitutional change is entirely false - as we made clear in our written submission to the committee. "People vote for political parties for a variety of different reasons. Independence is supported by individuals on the left and right of politics and some of those people support Labour, Tories and Lib Dems. The only way to get a clear idea of the Scottish public's desires on independence is to ask them directly. This executive isn't asking because it doesn't think it will like the answer.” MURRAY RITCHIE AND JAMES LYNCH TO SPEAK AT BEITH Beith 1320 Speakers Club meeting Sunday 19th November Murray Ritchie, respected journalist and former Political Editor of the (Glasgow) Herald will be one of the guest speakers at the next meeting of the Beith 1320 Speakers Club in Beith Community Centre on Sunday 19th November at 2pm Murray will address the meeting as Convener of the Scottish Independence Convention, the cross party forum established in 2005 to engage citizens throughout Scotland in the campaign for independence by encouraging debate and discussion and by drawing to the attention of the Scottish people the benefits that would flow from full independence. Also speaking at the meeting in Beith Community Centre will be James Lynch, Editor of the pro independence newspaper the ‘Scots Independent’. James has served as editor of the Scots Independent for the last five years and is a lifelong member of the SNP and the independence movement. Convener of the 1320 Speakers Club, John Johnstone welcomed the prospect of two such well known and respected pro independence speakers coming to Beith to take part in the independence debate that the Beith club has been actively promoting for the last three years. He said: "The Scottish Independence Convention is replicating the campaign and debate about Scottish Independence at national level that the Beith 1320 Club has been promoting here in the West of Scotland at our own regular public meetings. Our meetings, which are always open to the public and press provide the Scottish people the opportunity to take part in the independence debate and to meet with the politicians face to face and discuss the benefits that independence and freedom from London rule would bring to Scotland. The Beith 1320 Club is not affiliated to any political party, but exists to provide a public platform to all those who support the campaign for Scottish independence. Over the last three years the club has built up a formidable reputation and earned respect from all of the pro independence parties and organisations as well as those individuals who support Scottish liberty. If the Scottish Independence Convention can carry that message at national level then that will be another giant step towards Scottish self determination.” WORRIED BRITISH PM BLAIR ATTACKS SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE HOPES
Labour UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged voters not to "rip Scotland out of the UK", saying full independence would be disastrous. Asked about a poll which suggested 51% of Scots favoured independence, Mr Blair said he would have to persuade them otherwise. He blamed nationalists for trying to claim voters were only "true Scots" if they were backing independence. But Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond said Mr Blair was "out of touch with public opinion in Scotland." Mr Blair told his monthly press conference: "To end up having a separate Scottish currency, separate Scottish armed forces, separate Scottish economy when we are so integrated together would be disastrous for people. "I think that when this debate progresses, it's not just that people will realise the folly of the SNP position." Six months before the Scottish parliamentary elections, polls suggest the SNP is neck and neck with Labour - which rules in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. Asked about a poll in the Scotsman paper at his monthly press conference on Monday, Mr Blair said it showed he would have to engage with Scottish voters, to persuade them of the benefits of remaining in the UK. But he said increasing Holyrood's powers was not the answer. "What I think it's about is the attempt by the SNP and others to say: 'You're only truly Scottish, in inverted commas, if you are making the case for independence," he said. "But that's rubbish. The question is what's in the best interests of Scotland and what's in the best interest of Scotland is to have a strong Scotland within the United Kingdom, where you have the benefits of devolution. "You take your local decisions in relation to law and order, education, health and so on, but at the same time you get the benefits, as we do in England, of being part of the UK." He said both England and Scotland benefited from shared trade, currency, armed forces and social security systems. You rip Scotland out of the UK, which is the SNP policy, you will lose those benefits," he said. "You will end up with an uncertain economic future with less power for people in Scotland to effect the big changes that are happening in the world." In response, Mr Salmond said: "The more the prime minister attacks independence, the more popular it becomes. I urge him to continue in a similar vein. "Labour's negative smears and fears campaign simply isn't working in the face of the SNP's positive case for Scottish independence." He said most Scots wanted more powers for Holyrood and said there was a "clear consensus" for an independent Scotland.
SNP RELEASE VIDEO PODCAST TO MARK SIX MONTHS TO POLL SNP leader Alex Salmond today urged Scots to match the success of Ireland, Norway and Iceland - all of them in the top six richest nations in the world. In a video podcast released to mark six months until polling on 3 May 2007, Mr Salmond argued that Scotland must become part of a northern European "arc of prosperity" with a stronger economy, better public services and a fairer society. The video podcast - the first in a series of monthly broadcasts by the SNP leader in the run-up to next year's crucial Holyrood elections – shows the efforts being made by the Party to reach out to key voter groups ahead of polling. With an estimated one in four 25-40 year olds with iPods, the SNP is using this media to target graduates and young professionals. Polling confirms this age group as the strongest supporters of Independence, and the SNP is wooing these voters with a pledge to lift the burden of student debt from thousands of young Scots and their families.
MAJORITY BACKS SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE The SNP today welcomed an opinion poll suggesting a majority of Scots now favour independence. Nationalists are also on track to win more constituency votes than Labour in next May's elections, according to the poll. SNP Holyrood leader Nicola Sturgeon claimed the ICM poll for The Scotsman showed Labour "floundering" and her party gaining momentum. But Labour downplayed the findings and said SNP support would slip back. The poll findings are said to be the first time since 1998 that support for independence has passed the 50% mark. It puts it at 51%, compared to 39% against and 10% don't knows. On voting intentions, the poll puts the SNP ahead of Labour, at 32% compared to 30%, for the constituency vote. Both parties are level-pegging at 28% for the list vote. The Liberal Democrats and Tories come 15% and 14% respectively in constituency voting intentions, and 17% and 14% on the list vote. The Greens score 3% in the constituency vote and 6% in list voting, while the SSP is at 4% in both. Nicola Sturgeon said "This election is a two-horse race between the tired, rudderless Labour Party under Mr McConnell and a fresh-thinking SNP with Alex Salmond as our candidate for First Minister. "There is much for us to do before the election next May, but it's clear that the Scottish people are increasingly convinced that it's time for a change in Scotland, and the SNP are the only party that can deliver the progress people here are crying out for." She said the poll also showed the failure of Labour's "tired scaremongering" on independence. "While McConnell and Brown are busy wrapping themselves in the Union Jack, more and more Scots believe that it's time for the Parliament in Holyrood to have the same powers as the parliaments of successful independent counties such as Norway and Ireland," said Ms Sturgeon. Labour MSP Duncan McNeil commented: "The choice voters will face is between investment in schools and the NHS with Labour, or separation and isolation with the Nationalists. It is difficult to see how levels of support for the SNP can remain at this level." BROWN EXERTS PRESSURE ON CARDINAL TO CHANGE VIEW ON SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE 'Charm Offensive' more offensive than charm say insiders
England Fan Gordon Brown LABOUR'S hierarchy has begun a behind-the-scenes offensive to persuade the leader of Scotland's Roman Catholics that his controversial backing for independence was wrong. Chancellor Gordon Brown is among senior Labour figures who have met Cardinal Keith O'Brien in recent weeks, as part of a coordinated effort to heal relations, after the churchman caused a political storm by praising the benefits of Scottish autonomy. The comments caused panic in Labour ranks, prompting fears that his words could persuade thousands of Scottish Catholics to back the SNP at next year's Holyrood elections. Now senior party figures are beating a path to the door of Scotland's Catholic leaders, seeking to persuade them that Labour still offers a voice to churchgoers. Brown met O'Brien for talks two weeks ago and raised the Cardinal's backing for independence. One of the Chancellor's closest allies, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, has also had private talks with one of O'Brien's bishops, Philip Tartaglia of Paisley, in another attempt to heal divisions. And last week a delegation of Catholic Labour MSPs had further private talks with O'Brien, where they set out their claims that Labour represents the Catholic community best. However, one source described the charm offensive as "more offensive than charm". A source close to Brown said that the Chancellor had used his meeting to pressurise O'Brien over his comments on independence. "There was a question of whether he [O'Brien] had really thought it through," the insider said. Defence Secretary Des Browne is also expected to meet Cardinal O'Brien, having agreed to collect a petition, signed by O'Brien, calling for the scrapping of Britain's nuclear deterrent. These meetings are in addition to talks which the Cardinal held with First Minister Jack McConnell last week, when he visited the Scottish Parliament to meet all party leaders. The frenzied activity - by some of Labour's most senior national figures - offers a clear sign of the party's growing fear that the Cardinal's comments on independence could spark a flood of support for the SNP. The row began last month when the Cardinal declared that, if it was the wish of the people, he would be "happy" to see Scotland become independent. Referring to countries such as Norway and Denmark, he also acknowledged the "prosperity which self-determination can bring". He expressed his frustration with the powers of the Scottish Parliament, arguing that many Scots "have no wish to pay for or host these evil weapons, yet we have no power to remove them". The comments were greeted with euphoria within the SNP, which has long sought to coax the largely Labour-voting Catholic community in Scotland away from its traditional political home. Labour politicians reacted with fury, however, believing that their support for Catholic Church demands, especially on the future of Catholic schools, had been thrown back in their faces. One Labour insider added: "We're pointing out to him that many of the things that Labour has sought to do, the SNP wouldn't. We have backed Catholic schools. We have also listened to their concerns on gay adoption. Does he really think all the other parties do that?" A spokesman for the SNP described Labour's sudden move last night as "a few weeks too late". He added: "Labour is obviously feeling the pressure. This is a panic move by a desperate government on the way out." Catholic Church insiders confirmed that Brown and other Labour leaders had stepped up their discussions in recent weeks. They described the various talks as "cordial". They said that discussions, particularly those with First Minister Jack McConnell, "had gone a long way to settling nerves".
US CONSUL INDICATES 'PROBABLE' UNHAPPINESS WITH INDEPENDENCE The US government has signalled a greater interest in Scottish politics after a senior diplomat said the Bush administration would “probably” prefer independence not to happen. Lisa Vickers, the new US consul in Scotland, questioned the effect of independence on American energy firms and criticised the SNP’s anti-Nato policy. She also speculated about whether an independent Scotland would become a member of the European Union. The official’s comments are considered controversial because independence looks set to be the key issue during next year’s Holyrood election campaign. An opinion poll last week found a majority of Scots favoured breaking up Britain and revealed the SNP was ahead in the popular vote. The Nationalists’ flagship policy is to hold a referendum on independence during their first four-year term in government. Their election hopes were boosted in recent weeks by a £100,000 donation from businessman Sir Tom Farmer and encouragement from the leader of Scotland’s Catholics, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who said he expected independence “before too long”. But the independence debate has taken an unexpected turn in the light of the comments made by Vickers, the US government’s “voice” in Scotland. In an interview with the Sunday Herald, she said the US would “probably” prefer the UK to remain united and insisted there were “various elements” of the SNP’s independence policy that had not been fully explained. “Would an independent Scotland be a member of Nato? They don’t know. [actually SNP policy is that they would leave] Would they be in the EU? They don’t know,” [again SNP policy is that they would remain in the EU] she said. “I don’t think the SNP is willing to say with 100% confidence and security that ‘this is what will happen with independence, and this is how you will be, and this is what will belong to you.’” She added: “I think there are a lot of questions. And I think that, right now, there are not a lot of answers.” The official’s comments provide insights into the US government’s view on constitutional politics in Scotland. Although Vickers said there were “pros and cons” to separation, the US is not thought to favour independence because it would involve the break-up of its main international ally. Such constitutional change could diminish the UK’s case for staying in the G8 and weaken the argument for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. SNP leader Alex Salmond accused Vickers of “inexperience” and criticised her comments. “I am sure the US consul doesn’t have to be reminded of diplomatic protocol. It’s a curious position to put so much stress on your own country’s self- determination, and not to think it is important for other people. We have had some good American consuls in the past. I am quite sure that once she gets up to speed, then she will know a bit more of Scottish politics.” JACK STRAW: ENGLAND WOULD LOSE BY END OF UNION
This is from an interview on the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/5388078.stm Question from Stephen, London: As Leader of the Commons, how can having two Scottish MPs as the front runners for PM be democratic? Powers for most agencies including health, education etc have been devolved in Scotland, yet Mr Reid or Mr Brown would set the agenda for solely English matters when they represent Scottish constituencies. Jack Straw: English MPs control all the money which Scotland receives - is that 'fair'? England constitutes 85% of the UK's population and 87% of its wealth. It was English MPs who agreed to devolve some powers to Scotland in a Westminster Act of Parliament; but year by year controls over public spending levels for all of the UK continue to be exercised by Westminster. And power devolved is power retained, not ceded. While the current Tory cry of "English votes on English laws" has a simplistic appeal, it is in reality unworkable, undesirable and dangerous. It would create a two-tier system of "ins and outs" that would be so complex and confusing as to be unworkable. How is it possible, for example, to distinguish between English "bits" of legislation and UK "bits"? It isn't. The territorial extent of the clause in a bill - or part of a clause - cannot be conclusive, as so many "England only" decisions have plain implications for Scotland as well. Hence, Vernon Bogdanor, perhaps the foremost constitutional expert in Britain, has claimed that the Tory proposals would "destroy the principle of collective responsibility, according to which government must stand or fall as a whole, commanding a majority on all the issues that come before Parliament, not just a selection. It is difficult to see how Britain could be effectively governed in such circumstances." Moreover, it is difficult to see how the UK could remain united. The outcome of a break-up of the union would be calamitous. The United Kingdom - Great Britain and Northern Ireland - is a union which works to the equal benefit of all four nations of the union. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Historically, England called the shots to achieve a union because the union was seen as a way, among others things, of amplifying England's power worldwide. And the reverse would certainly be true. A broken-up United Kingdom would not be in the interests of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, but especially not England. Our [England's] voting power in the European Union would diminish. We'd slip down in the world league GDP tables. Our case for staying in the G8 would diminish and there could easily be an assault on our permanent seat in the UN. [security council] ONE WEEK TO GO FOR INDEPENDENCE E-PETITION
Scottish independence campaigners are calling for more people to sign
their e-petition for a referendum on self determination for
Scotland. SCOTTISH CATHOLIC LEADER BACKS INDEPENDENCE
THE leader of Scotland's Roman Catholics last night backed independence from the UK, declaring he would be "happy" if Scots wanted self determination. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, in remarks that will cause shockwaves north and south of the Border, said nations such as Ireland and Denmark benefited from the "prosperity which self-determination can bring". The 68-year-old cleric also voiced his frustration with the Scottish Parliament and predicted independence is coming "before too long". O'Brien's comments have caused deep dismay in Labour ranks, with party sources expressing disappointment the Cardinal has chosen to stray on to such controversial political ground months before the Holyrood elections. But there was predictable delight among the SNP, who closed their party conference yesterday in buoyant mood, convinced they can persuade Scots of the benefits of full independence at the ballot box next May. O'Brien's remarks appear in an interview with the Catholic Herald newspaper and St Andrews University philosopher John Haldane. Asked if the Church could be indifferent to a move towards independence in Scotland, he declared: "I would not get too involved in the politics of independence, but I am happy that, if it is the wish of the people, Scotland becomes an independent country." He added: "In my travels I have had much experience of small countries and I have seen what benefits independence can bring. "There is currently some frustration among the Scots about the say they have over what happens here, and that is part of what is pushing the independence movement. I can see this coming, perhaps not in the next few years, but before too long." O'Brien concedes that, as the leader of a Scottish church which is itself independent from England, "it is difficult to argue that ecclesiastical independence is acceptable but political independence is not". Asked by Scotland on Sunday to expand on his views, O'Brien talked up the advantages other small countries have experienced since getting independence. He said: "Ireland would be an example of a country which has prospered since achieving independence. Additionally, other northern European countries such as Norway and Denmark exemplify the prosperity which self-determination can bring." O'Brien also acknowledged the growth of nationalism across the nations of the UK. "I am aware of a growing sense of nationhood and national identity in England, exhibited recently during the World Cup campaign and reflected in the increasing appearance of the St George Cross at such sporting fixtures and other gatherings. In this context, Scottish national identity has always been strong. Ultimately multinational identities are harder to express than national ones." He also picked out the current debate over the future of Britain's nuclear deterrent. O'Brien recently joined the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in condemning plans to replace the UK's Trident system as "iniquitous, irrational and absurd". He said: "The recent debate on Trident is instructive. The groundswell of feeling in Scotland against the Trident missile system has highlighted a deep sense of frustration among many Scots. We have no wish to pay for or host these evil weapons, yet we have no power to remove them." SNP leader Alex Salmond said last night: "Scotland's Cardinal is a man of vision and stature. Obviously he avoids party politics, but I am delighted that he has issued such favourable signals about independence and self-determination for the nation." SCOTLAND IS ONLY SMALL TO THOSE WHO THINK SMALL - ALEX SALMOND
Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond has delivered his vision for victory at the Scottish election. Addressing the annual conference in Perth, he said the party was "alive, kicking and winning". Mr Salmond, who is bidding to return to Holyrood as an MSP, also claimed that support for Scottish independence was at an all-time high. He set out his plans for health, education and the economy in a hall packed with more than 1,000 delegates. Mr Salmond told the conference that the party had a "dramatic six months" ahead, before the Holyrood elections next May as he pointed out a string of local by-election victories. The MP said: "Today we ride on the crest of a wave - this time, in our time - there shall be change for Scotland." He continued: "Two years ago when Nicola (Sturgeon) and I came to lead this party, I told this conference that I was not here to go through the motions, but back to rid Scotland of a small-minded managerial administration and to deliver a vision capable of touching the very soul of Scotland. "I am standing for first minister and we are running to win." Mr Salmond, who was given a standing ovation before and after his speech, said an SNP government would give everyone a fair chance and make Scotland an international economic player. He said the burden of debt would be removed from Scottish-domiciled students and graduates and floated the idea of dedicated class teachers at secondary school. He also raised the prospect of every home and school having a wind generator, solar panels or insulation system and gave backing to the world's first commercial carbon-capture hydro power station. On health, Mr Salmond promised an inquiry into the problems surrounding Holyrood's flagship free personal care for the elderly policy and said there would be direct election of health board members. And he again criticised the "illegal" war in Iraq, calling for British troops to be brought home. He also launched an attack on Labour, branding its vision of Britishness "narrow, bland and boring" and criticised Jack Straw for having the "temerity to instruct his constituents on what to wear". "Jack Straw - Alf Garnett without the braces," said Mr Salmond. Then it was the chancellor's turn: "Gordon Brown wants to be British prime minister so he tells people to plant a Union Jack in his back garden and that Paul Gascoigne's goal against Scotland was his favourite moment," he added. And Mr Salmond criticised First Minister Jack McConnell's often-used slogan that Scotland was "the best small country in the world". "That one phrase encapsulates everything that is wrong with the first minister, with the executive and with our national tourist agency," he said. "It combines the worst of what's like us with the worst of an inferiority complex. "Scotland's only small to those who think small. It's time to think big." See a video of the speech here SNP PLEDGE TO INTRODUCE SCOTTISH OLYMPIC TEAM
ALEX Salmond unveiled plans yesterday for Scotland to have its own Olympic team, whether or not the country is independent. The SNP leader said that if he became First Minister next May, he would immediately start the process for Scotland to field its own team for the 2012 games. Speaking on the first day of the SNP annual conference, Mr Salmond said there were already 13 states and territories which were not independent which had their own Olympic teams, so there was no reason Scotland could not join them. Mr Salmond said the first step would be to convene a meeting of the governing bodies of Scotland's main sports to secure their support for the idea. If they gave their support, Mr Salmond would then approach the International Olympic Committee with a formal request for Scotland to have its own team in time for 2012 - whether or not Scotland had independence. Mr Salmond acknowledged that there might be some athletes who preferred to compete in a British team but that is why he wanted to consult the sports administrators, to find a way through. And he argued that more Scots would have the chance to compete at the highest level with a Scottish team. He claimed that polls had shown that 78 per cent of the population backed a Scottish team. Mr Salmond claimed that, at the last Olympics Scotland sent one athlete for every 210,000 citizens while New Zealand sent one for every 26,000 citizens. He said: "The key thing in an Olympics is about participation and allowing a maximum amount of Scots to participate at the highest level." Mr Salmond's plan amounts to a warning shot, fired across the bows of the BOA, showing that it that it might end up in a much worse position if it continues in its attempts to field a British football team in 2012. "If we had a Scottish Olympic team, there would be no need for warfare between the BOA and the SFA and all athletes in all sports would have a better chance of being represented at a national level," he said. INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT UNITES FOR ‘DEMOCRACY FOR SCOTLAND’ RALLY
Photos from the march through Edinburgh and the subsequent demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament. Campaigners who are calling for a referendum on Scottish independence have had a highly successful march and rally in Edinburgh on Saturday the 30th of September. The march and rally was for Independence First the Scottish independence referendum campaign. A spokesperson for the campaign said it was "a powerful message to the Scottish parliament that democracy will not be denied." Around a thousand people marched behind a full pipe band from East Market Street onto Princes Street, up the mound, over George IV Bridge and down the Royal Mile to end up at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament. There was an excellent turnout of members of the public and political activists from all the various groups who support Scottish independence (including the four main pro-independence parties which have representatives in the Scottish parliament). Independence First had distributed 10,000 leaflets for the event and had launched an e-petition through the Scottish Parliament, this e-petition is ongoing for another month. Speakers at the after march rally included official representatives of the SNP, SSP, Greens and Solidarity parties plus Bill Wilson, Lloyd Quinan and Campbell Martin MSP as well as Scotia and Ted Christopher who provided musical entertainment. The rally began with an outline of the situation that had led to the union by Dr Tony Parker an academic from the University of Dundee. Dr Parker pointed out that political control had been lost with the 1603 union of crowns as had trade with France. The English Government eventually effectively threatened Scotland with invasion after cutting off her trade routes and bribed the politicians of the day. Bill Wilson of the SNP who spoke for Independence First pointed out that these politicians "fled through the back door" from an angry mob and the numerous petitions lodged by the Scottish public against the union. Wilson said the importance of Independence First was that it was broad enough to include absolutely everyone who supported independence and he also mentioned the e-petition IF are running through the Scottish Parliament (sign here). Independence First activist Chris Osborne gave some of the history of Independence First and explained that the movement had started from initial internet discussions around a small group of activists who were deliberately drawn from different political opinions to think up ideas to promote independence. These ideas eventually solidified behind the referendum proposal as being the best route to achieve the maximum possible support for independence and the campaign had grown from there. Tommy Sheridan MSP of Solidarity said that his vision was of a free socialist republic without nuclear weapons and he fully endorsed Independence First's call for a democratic referendum as the first step towards that aim. Carolyn Leckie of the SSP said that her commitment to Independence had been absolute ever since she was a young child and that Scottish independence was the key to unlocking a much fairer society. Aileen Campbell of the Scottish National Party blasted the Liberal Democrats for ruling out an Independence Referendum "How can they call themselves Democrats?" she asked. "Make no mistake if we win an election we will hold our referendum and will win it for the people of Scotland" she pledged. Lloyd Quinan announced that the campaign had received supportive messages from other national independence groupings in the Basque Country, Catalonia and Corsica. "There is huge international support behind our cause. Our simple demand for a referendum on independence can be respected by any democrat. To a resounding cheer he said "I am Scottish not British". He added "Anything the British or Brutish Imperial State does, it doesn't do in my name or the name of the people of Scotland we need our own international voice." Activists from all parties and groups were impressed by the organisation of the event and the substantial turnout. Douglas Blackie an SNP activist from Aberdeen commented "This was a fantastic day and a fantastic march. I'd say it was bigger than the SNP's Bannockburn marches, it's the best march I've seen for years." Brian Archibald a Shop Steward from Midlothian commented "This was the broadest and most positive political demonstration I can remember from twenty years campaigning for independence." Joe Middleton Press Officer of Independence First said the march was "a powerful message to the Scottish parliament that democracy will not be denied for the people of Scotland." and he also said it proved the worth of having a campaign purely about support for a democratic referendum on independence. "The great turnout here today proves that our campaign has genuine political weight. The next step will be to call for a million people to use their votes for independence in the first and second votes for the Scottish Parliament. One million people is not an awful lot of voters for a country our size and we believe it's well within the grasp of the independence movement if we work together." Note: Kev Williamson has uploaded a video of the march on his blog here and there is another film of the march here. Email: media@independence1st.com if you have photos of the day. CITY HONOUR BID FOR JAMES CONNOLLY
A path through one Edinburgh's beauty spots could be named after controversial Republican leader James Connolly, under plans being considered by council chiefs. A campaign is under way to have one of the main through routes in the Meadows named after city-born Connolly, one of the leading figures in the struggle against British rule in Ireland. But the idea has provoked an angry reaction from unionist politicians who claim the move would be "inappropriate". Connolly, who was executed for his part in the Easter Rising against British troops in 1916, is commemorated every year in Edinburgh with a parade through the city centre. But while is he is regarded as a hero in Ireland, he remains a controversial figure in the country of his birth for leading the rebellion at a time when thousands were dying in the trenches of World War I. The marches in his memory have often become flashpoints for sectarian violence. Council planners are now set to be forced to rule on the request from the Edinburgh-based James Connolly Society. Senior councillors are already against the proposal, but a final decision will have to be taken in the next few months by the city's planning committee. Jim Slaven, spokesman for the James Connolly Society in Edinburgh, said: "We made a formal request several months ago asking that one of the pathways through the Meadows be named after James Connolly. "We are still hopeful that this will be approved before the end of this year, which marks the 90th anniversary of Connolly's death, and are a bit annoyed that nothing seems to have happened. "There is no good reason for this not to have been approved by now, other than political interference. Our request seems to be lost in the system." Connolly became a leading figure in the socialist movement in Edinburgh and honed his speaking skills at rallies in the Meadows. He later emigrated to Ireland, where he set up the Irish Republican Socialist Party, and played a leading part in the struggle for Irish independence as one of the ringleaders of the failed Easter Rising. A small plaque in the Cowgate, where Connolly was born on June 5, 1868, is the only memorial in the city of his birth. Councillor Donald Anderson, the city's tourism chief, said: "This came to the council more in the form of a demand rather than a request. I do not personally feel it is appropriate for the Meadows, which already has a number of traditional names, although nothing has been officially ruled out." A spokeswoman for the city council said the request had been referred in the first instance to Bob Cairns, the local councillor for the area in question. Ironically, he has been at loggerheads with the Connolly society after a massive flyposting exercise was deployed to promote this May's parade. Cllr Cairns said: "I would not be in favour of this proposal because I do not believe it would have the support of a wide cross section of the public." And the proposal angered Tory MSP David McLetchie who said: "He [James Connolly] was obviously a hugely divisive figure and something like this would be totally inappropriate." The above article appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News, here a few of the letters which appeared in the paper shortly after: Labour sports a pale shade of red THE "controversy" of having a tribute to one of the City's favourite son's James Connolly is very interesting because it shows Labour up in their true colours. What do we know about Connolly? Well we know he was a Marxist socialist who was a brilliant and inspirational speaker in the streets of Edinburgh and in the Meadows. We also know that he was an internationalist who supported independence for Ireland and Scotland. When he saw an opportunity to help Ireland towards independence he took it and was shot by the British state for his troubles. We know then that Connolly was a highly principled man who was willing to die for his beliefs. He was also a true son of Edinburgh, so surely a monument to this great man would be a "no-brainer". Unfortunately today's Labour party is a pale pink shadow of the socialism espoused by Connolly. The former leader of the council Donald Anderson even recently branded his own employees, council planners, as "Communists" proving that he does not even know what the word actually means! Joe Middleton Anderson shows his ignorance IN declaring that honouring James Connolly is "inappropriate" all that Councillor Donald Anderson exposes is his ignorance of working class heritage and history. If Anderson or Councillor Bob Cairns had one ounce of the principle, humility and integrity of this brave Scottish socialist revolutionary martyr they would be better men. Sadly they do not, the transformation of working people's living standards is due in part to the agitation of people like Connolly and thousand of unnamed others whom put other needs above their own careers. Revisionists like Anderson and Cairns are apologises for theses fine traditions, fortunately they are not the inheritors of it. Bryan McIntosh Tribute is least we should be doing AS an adult educator interested in immigration past and present we recently did a co-investigation on the life and times of James Connolly and we were considerably impressed by his unique contribution to assisting the oppressed in Scotland, Ireland and the United States. Connolly, who was an inspiration to International figures such as the Italian, Antonio Gramsci, was a thoughtful strategist who recognised the key moments in history best suited to social change. As a product of Edinburgh "Coogate", he managed to transcend the miserable poverty to which he and his family were subjected and look at effective ways of doing something about it. This city has a duty to honour and commemorate the life and times of the great socialist James Connolly and the naming of a walkway is the least we can do. John Player If you like this site VOTE for it as a 'top Scottish Political site' be clicking on this text
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The
United Kingdom should be broken up and Scotland and England set free as
independent nations, according to a huge number of voters on both sides of
the border. 
There
was good news for David Cameron, the 
