ALBA Executive Responds Positively To Co-Operation Proposal From Angus MacNeil MP

The ALBA Party NEC meeting today accepted a proposal from the MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Angus Brendan MacNeil, for joint working as part of an independence alliance.

Mr MacNeil earlier this week had written publicly to both First Minister Humza Yousaf and former First Minister and ALBA leader, Alex Salmond, advocating such an approach which would see one agreed pro-independence candidate in each constituency in the General Election.

Today, after discussion at the ALBA NEC, Alex Salmond replied positively and expressed the hope that First Minister Humza Yousaf will change direction on his current go-it-alone approach saying that “forthcoming and immediate political events, and perhaps the intervention of the SNP Conference next month, will provoke a change of heart on these crucial matters.”

The proposal is that the independence parties and candidates agree on one candidate in each constituency standing on a platform to seek and implement a mandate to negotiate independence backed by a majority of votes cast for independence. Similar sentiments have been expressed in some grassroots resolutions to the SNP Conference.

In his reply to Angus MacNeil Mr Salmond said:

“Thus I put the matter to the ALBA National Executive Committee today who have accepted your proposal to work together. We are prepared to support your candidacy as an independent alliance candidate in Na h-Eileanan an Iar and Neale Hanvey MP, as our Parliamentary leader, will be in touch to discuss practical measures to promote independence in the current Westminster Parliament.”