ALBA Welcome Overwhelming Support From Yes Movement For Independence Convention

Calls for First Minister Humza Yousaf to back an Independence Convention have increased as a new poll shows two thirds of SNP voters think it would be good for the independence movement. 

The poll has been welcomed by ALBA Party’s Westminster leader Neale Hanvey MP who says an Independence Convention can “help the movement achieve its ultimate objective of securing Scotland's independence”. 

An independence convention, which would bring together all pro independence parties, pressure groups and representatives of civic society, was backed by both Kate Forbes MSP and Ash Regan MSP during the SNP leadership contest. 

Speaking today, Hanvey called for the constitutional convention of all Scotland’s pro independence representatives to be backed by the new First Minister. 

Pollster Panelbase put to respondents that “The UK Government has blocked a new referendum on Scottish independence. An independence convention has been proposed that would include representatives of all pro- independence parties and representatives of civic society to chart a path forward for the independence movement.” 

Two thirds of those that voted Yes in 2014 responded that “An independence convention would be good for the independence movement and would help drive forward the campaign for Scottish independence.” 

This was closely matched by 64% of those that voted SNP at the last election backing an Independence Convention. 

ALBA Party’s Neale Hanvey acknowledged that different groups within the independence movement may have different visions for an independent Scotland, but stressed that these differences should not lead to division or infighting. 

"At this crucial junction on the road towards independence, it is important that we come together as a movement," said Hanvey. "We may have different ideas about what an independent Scotland should look like, but we share a common goal of breaking away from Westminster rule and creating a better future for our country. The establishment of an Independence Convention will ensure that the urgent necessity of Scottish independence will be at the top of the agenda of the First Minister and his Government. "

ALBA Party Westminster leader Neale Hanvey MP said:

"This poll is welcome and it shows that Humza Yousaf and his new Government must back an Independence Convention to ensure that building support for independence is its top priority.

"ALBA Party welcomed during the SNP leadership contest that two of the three candidates backed an Independence Convention that would bring the entire movement together to build support for independence and ensure that Westminster’s feet are held to the fire. 

"We welcome the support of Humza Yousaf‘s party membership to bring the independence movement back together by backing ALBA Party’s longstanding call for an Independence Convention. The cause of independence is bigger than any one political party, so if the First Minister wants to bring Scotland closer to independence he must embrace the convention as an immediate priority."