Democratic outrage for unionist parties to reject Scotland's path to independence
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay has said the Scottish Government’s independence strategy must focus on building a fairer, greener Scotland that improves people’s lives and challenges Westminster.
Her comments come ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament this week, where the First Minister will seek support for a Section 30 order. This would transfer powers from the UK Government to Holyrood, allowing the Scottish Parliament to hold another independence referendum.
The Scottish Greens have said that it would be a democratic outrage for unionist parties to ignore the largest-ever pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament and block Scotland’s path to a better future.
Gillian said:
"The case for independence will be won when people can clearly see how it can improve everyday life for them and their communities. That means using every power currently available to Holyrood to tackle poverty, lower bills, strengthen public services and take meaningful action on the climate crisis.
“The Scottish Greens have shown that even with limited powers, we can make a real difference. Greens secured free bus travel for young people, pushed for rent protections during the cost of living crisis and helped deliver measures that put more money back into people’s pockets when families needed support most. Imagine what could be achieved with the full powers of an independent country.
“Quite why unionist parties have been so determined to block Scotland’s path to deliver a kinder, more equal Scotland is beyond me. The evidence exists that we are capable of delivering for people across society, but we need to do more.
“Every unionist politician knows the struggle that people are having with soaring energy and food costs, with discrimination against minority groups, and with an ever-increasing inequality gap. They cannot continue to block the path that would give Scotland the powers to tackle these issues.
“It is deeply wrong that Scotland cannot decide for itself whether to hold a referendum on its future. Decisions about Scotland should be made by the people who live here, not imposed by Westminster politicians.
“There is a clear pro-independence majority in Scotland’s Parliament, elected democratically by the people of Scotland. Unionist parties should respect that mandate and stop blocking Scotland’s right to choose our own future. The people of Scotland should have the power to decide when and how we have our say on independence.”