SNP's 'exclusive' focus must be on independence, claims MP
The SNP's "total and exclusive" focus over the coming years should be on gaining Scottish independence, a Tayside MP has said.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 09.08.11
- Published online : 09.08.11 @ 09.31am
The comments by Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart provoked the Labour Party to accuse the nationalists of ignoring the immediate concerns of the Scottish public.
Setting out his strategy for winning the forthcoming independence referendum in nationalist newspaper Scots Independent, Mr Wishart said, "It's now three months since our historic victory in May and our total and exclusive focus must be now on winning the referendum.
"Our victory in May was substantially down to the perception that the SNP was trusted to govern effectively and offered effective leadership for Scotland.
"But, it also indicates that the public does not fear a debate about our national future and are prepared to back a party that has independence as its core ideal."
The SNP's majority means a referendum on independence is guaranteed in this parliamentary term, with many believing Alex Salmond could leave it as late as 2015.
That has caused fears in unionist ranks that Scottish Government strategy over the next four years will be to bolster the case for independence.
'Instability' call
On Monday Labour's finance spokesman at Holyrood, Richard Simpson, said Mr Wishart's comments were proof the nationalists are pursuing independence at any cost.
"Pete Wishart's comments prove conclusively, if proof were needed, that the SNP's sole reason for existence is to break up Britain," said the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP.
"At a time when the global economic situation is causing real concern, when people are concerned about their jobs and futures he is calling on SNP supporters to focus on a referendum that the majority of Scots don't want and doesn't have a date or a question.
"And the truth is that the referendum itself will cause instability that will damage the Scottish economy."
Mr Wishart said to be successful the SNP must convince the "30 or 40%" of the public who have doubts about independence but could be convinced.
He said, "Having won the right to a referendum, our task is now to put in place an attractive, aspirational but realistic vision of what an independent Scotland would look like.
"We must reassure them that the social union will be maintained. We must convince them that the many British cultural ties, that so many Scots enjoy, will be maintained."
He added, "That what we want to see is a new and improved relationship based on equality and mutual respect."
10.00am - 09.08.2011 Cory Douglas Campbell - Dundee, UK Report This
Focus must be on our local communities now, not later. With youth riots across the country, why are our local leaders still ignoring youth issues but focusing on trivial plans like independance? Dundee youth workers have advised youth events need to be put on in parks to target youth, get it done!
11.56am - 09.08.2011 Andrew - Edinburgh, Scotland Report This
Riots in Dundee? I must have missed that. There will never be a perfect time to have the debate and referrendum, but it needs to happen, so now is as good a time as any. Then, if we vote for independence, we can start to change how we're governed for the common good.
01.03pm - 09.08.2011 Cory Douglas Campbell - Dundee, UK Report This
@Andrew Youths battled in Dundee 2009,2010,2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD1SNTr6jZQ&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL After seeing this film SNP Cllr Fordyce sent Dundee Inspectors to try remove the CCTV that filmed the riot. Do the SNP prefer to keep these problems quiet and out of the press?
02.38pm - 09.08.2011 Adam C - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
Cory, I tend to agree, in the sense that our focus even before the riots, was on jobs and the economy. Both, however, are intrinsically tied up with separation. And whilst this SNP government has previous for saying one thing and doing another, we need one question: Yes or No.
03.02pm - 09.08.2011 Cory Douglas Campbell - Dundee, UK Report This
@Andy Very fair comment and I,a Nat-SNP Member am very supportive of independence. It is the main reason I returned to Scotland with my children from Scotland's most successful colony, Canada. Lets get the wheels on the car before we "Pimp" it up and drive away. SNP is losing many local issues.
03.52pm - 09.08.2011 Tom E - Dundee, Scotland Report This
If or when this happens, the fear for many Scots is whether the SNP will try to manipulate the referendum. They are also trying to find the best time to hold it. With a majority at Holyrood, it is up to Westminster and the Scots voter to ensure they ask a reasonable question.
08.15pm - 09.08.2011 Get Real - gosport, UK Report This
Dream on. If you think Scotland can go its own way, then cuckoo land comes to mind. 10 years ago, Moray Council was run by an SNP Administration, they were a disaster, they were 'massively' voted out, and never regained the leadership again. Most people in Scotland would use their brains. NO never.
10.13pm - 09.08.2011 Scott - Toronto, Canada Report This
The SNP will make Scotland as successful as other losers in the EU. What a future - simply because of ignorant dreams. I am sorry to see such divisive forces being allowed to sleeepwalk the country towards independence. Hopefully the tide will turn. Good luck.
12.09am - 10.08.2011 Wattle D - Fife, Scotland Report This
Just who is kidding whom here, the SNP's ONLY focus is making sure it does everything to retain the financial protection that the Union gives Scotland, whilst fervently arguing for the opposite which it secretly hopes it will never win!
08.08am - 10.08.2011 Iain McPhee - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Quite right. Independence will give Scotland the ability to create laws (if deemed necessary) to deal with youth, or indeed any other crime. That way we won't have to appease the feral young criminals by continuing to waste vast amounts of taxpayers money on yet more useless schemes.
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