The Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) is a cross-party, non-partisan group with the aim of bringing together pro-
independence
Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state, in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the status of ...
parties, groups and organisations to promote the concept and ideals of an independent Scotland. The current conveners are Iain Black and
Maggie Chapman
Maggie Chapman (born 27 June 1979) is a Scottish politician and lecturer who is a Scottish Green Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for North East Scotland. She was co-convenor of the Scottish Greens from November 2013 to August 2019, s ...
(ex- co-convener of the
Scottish Green Party
The Scottish Greens (also known as the Scottish Green Party; ) are a green party, green List of political parties in Scotland, political party in Scotland. The party has 7 MSPs of 129 in the Scottish Parliament, the party holds 35 of the 1226 ...
) .
The SIC was created in 2005 as a forum for those of all political persuasions and none who support
independence
Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state, in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the status of ...
, and to be a national catalyst for Scottish independence. With the election of the SNP in 2007, the SIC was largely on hiatus, with more informal meetings being held between pro-independence forces instead of being through SIC channels.
Constitution
The Convention agreed a new constitution in February 2017 to establish its purpose, aims and aspirations;
* To provide a forum which will bring together different groups and parties which support independence
* To provide a contact point for people (including media) who are interested in independence
* To have the capacity to develop and coordinate campaigning on independence
* To have the capacity to carry out research work to strengthen further the case for independence
* To be able rapidly to respond to media and other enquiries about independence, being equipped to rebut inaccurate and hostile information
* To explore and where possible improve skills, systems, structures and networks which will improve the ability to campaign for independence
* To support and work with a community of individuals who support independence to keep them engaged in the independence debate and to help them remain active in support of independence.
* To carry out any other agreed actions it is felt will strengthen the case for independence, improve the chances of securing a second referendum and enhance our ability to win that referendum.
As an unaligned group, set up long before
Yes Scotland
Yes Scotland was the organisation representing the parties, organisations, and individuals campaigning for a ''Yes'' vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. It was launched on 25 May 2012 and dissolved in late 2014 after Scotland vot ...
, the convention was the main contact for European groups who took interest in Scotland's independence movement.
Voices for Scotland
It was announced on the 4th anniversary of Scotland's
independence referendum
An independence referendum is a type of referendum in which the residents of a territory decide whether the territory should become an Independence, independent sovereign state. An independence referendum that results in a vote for independenc ...
of 2014 that the SIC is to establish a new national campaign for independence, utilising its position as a body bringing together Scotland's pro-independence parties, groups and think tanks for a refreshed vision of independence through grassroots campaigning.
Voices for Scotland was launched as the campaign arm of the Scottish Independence Conventionin April 2019. The organisation is a civic campaign for Scottish independence, with an aim to get support for Scottish independence above 60%.
See also
*
Scottish independence
Scottish independence (; ) is the idea of Scotland regaining its independence and once again becoming a sovereign state, independent from the United Kingdom. The term Scottish independence refers to the political movement that is campaignin ...
*
Scottish Constitutional Convention
The Scottish Constitutional Convention (SCC) was an association of Scottish political parties, churches and other civic groups, that developed a framework for Scottish devolution.
History
Campaign for a Scottish Assembly
The Conventi ...
*
Yes Scotland
Yes Scotland was the organisation representing the parties, organisations, and individuals campaigning for a ''Yes'' vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. It was launched on 25 May 2012 and dissolved in late 2014 after Scotland vot ...
*
Proposed second Scottish independence referendum
A second referendum (commonly referred to as indyref2) on Scotland becoming Scottish independence, independent of the United Kingdom (UK) has been proposed by the Scottish Government. An 2014 Scottish independence referendum, independence refe ...
References
External links
Scottish independence ConventionSalmond launches blueprint for Independence Scottish National Party
The Scottish National Party (SNP; ) is a Scottish nationalist and social democratic party. The party holds 61 of the 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament, and holds 9 out of the 57 Scottish seats in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, ...
press release, 2 December 2005
2005 establishments in Scotland
Scottish independence
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