Latest news with #pro-Scottish
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Ties that bind us to Europe
An anti-Brexit pro-Scottish independence activist holds a flag mixing the EU flag and the Scottish Saltire A new poll has underlined what many in Scotland already know. If we choose independence, Europe is ready to welcome us back. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The YouGov survey, conducted across France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Denmark, shows clear support for an independent Scotland joining the European Union. In each country polled, support for Scottish membership ranged from 63 to 75 per cent. It is a reminder that Scotland's values, outlook and aspirations continue to align with our European neighbours. Despite Westminster's hard Brexit and Labour's refusal to revisit EU alignment, there is another way forward. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The same survey found that more people across the UK support Scottish EU membership than oppose it. While Westminster continues to ignore the damage of Brexit, other countries see the benefits of EU membership and the cost of being outside it. Brexit has harmed our economy, undermined our public services and taken opportunities away from young people. Scotland did not vote for it, yet we are living with the consequences every day. That damage is not abstract. It means rising food prices, falling investment, and fewer chances for students, workers and researchers to engage with Europe. We are seeing the real effects in communities across Scotland. Edinburgh is one of the most pro-Europe cities in the UK and the SNP is the only party serious about rejoining the EU. As we move forward to the 2026 election, voters will want to ask which party pursues the path to strengthen ties with our European partners and in time, restore our place as an equal partner in the European Union.
The National
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
John Swinney urged to join Independence Summit by Alba
Alba party leader Kenny MacAskill has called on the heads of all of the main pro-Scottish independence parties to unite and take part in his party's summit ahead of the All Under One Banner (AOUB) March in Glasgow on Saturday. Earlier in April, Alba MSP Ash Regan called for a convention to be held a year out from the Holyrood elections, insisting that 'energy' needs to be rebuilt if independence is to be a 'realistic proposition' to voters. However, the SNP sidestepped Alba's call, and the Greens poured cold water on the proposal, saying the party has 'significantly different visions about what an independent Scotland would look like'. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar 'shamefully silent' as Labour MPs demand 'change' from Keir Starmer MacAskill has now written to the leaders of each of Scotland's pro-independence parties urging them to reconsider their decision following Reform UK's surge in the English local elections on Friday. He added that by attending the summit, all parties involved can help create a clear way forward for demanding and achieving independence. MacAskill (below) wrote: 'Scotland is crying out for Independence as sky high energy costs and the threat posed to the poorest and weakest in our society from Westminster's benefit cuts clearly demonstrates. (Image: Andy Buchanan/PA Wire) 'In the week when oil refining finally ended at Grangemouth with the loss of 400 jobs and it was revealed that 80,000 children in Scotland are living in severe poverty. And just yesterday, we witnessed the beginning of Farage's march to Downing Street. It is beyond doubt that Westminster rule is failing the people of Scotland. 'An urgent push for Independence is essential. The coming Holyrood election can be Scotland's Independence Election but it requires all pro-Independence parties to come together in a show of unity. 'We can disagree about the why of Independence but we can all agree on the urgent necessity of achieving Independence and begin to discuss and agree how we get there.' AUOB organisers said they expect around 5000 people to join the demonstration this Saturday, which will begin in the city's West End. The march will set off from Kelvin Way at 11.30am, moving through the city centre before ending at Glasgow Green. Organisers have encouraged demonstrators to bring banners, placards, megaphones, flags, pipes, and drums to create a lively and visible display of support for Scottish independence. At the rally, Alba's MacAskill is expected to call on other party leaders to agree to join the independence summit, as he said unity amongst the parties would be the bedrock towards the cause. MacAskill added: 'That is why I am writing to John and the other pro-Independence party leaders asking them to commit to taking part in an Independence Summit. 'Independence offers a better way for Scotland but we need to work together to achieve it. An Independence Summit can be the first step in charting a clear and positive way forward. 'Unity is strength, and must be the bedrock of the Independence cause. Let us unite the movement and come together in a show of unity. If we unite we will win!'
