Swinney must keep day one promise on independence, say Greens
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP has called on John Swinney to honour his promise to bring forward a Holyrood debate on Scotland’s right to choose on the first sitting day of his new government.
The call comes ahead of Tuesday’s First Minister vote, after Scotland returned a clear pro-independence majority to Holyrood, including a record result for the Scottish Greens.
During the election campaign, Mr Swinney pledged that a re-elected SNP Government would bring forward a vote on referendum powers on the first sitting day after the appointment of the new government.
The Scottish Greens say that Westminster has ignored repeated democratic mandates from Scotland and that the new First Minister must not make the same mistake by taking Green voters or pro-independence voters for granted.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP said:
“Scotland has voted for a pro-independence majority, and that mandate does not belong to one party alone.
“Every Green vote was a legitimate vote for independence, for Scotland’s right to choose and for a future where decisions about Scotland are made here, not imposed by Westminster.
“Scotland voted for a pro-independence majority, and that must be respected.“For too long, Westminster governments have ignored Scotland’s democratic voice. John Swinney must not do the same.”
“If John Swinney is elected First Minister on Tuesday, then his new government must bring forward the promised parliamentary debate and vote on Scotland’s right to choose at the first available opportunity.
“Scotland cannot afford more delay, drift or excuses. Westminster will not hand us our future out of generosity, it will only move when Scotland’s Parliament speaks clearly, confidently and collectively. That starts with keeping his own day one promise.”
Gillian added:
“It is welcome that, now the election is over, the SNP appears to recognise that Green votes are also independence votes. But recognition is not enough.
“The First Minister must follow through on his promise and offer the clear roadmap to independence that Scotland deserves and voted for.
“The Scottish Greens are clear, Scotland voted for its right to choose, now both the UK and Scottish Governments must give Scotland that choice.”