A SCOTTISH independence group has released further details on a convention to discuss the sort of country which independence could create.
Independence Forum Scotland (IFS), a group made up of 21 regional and national member organisations which encourages co-operation across the independence movement, is set to host a national convention on Scotland’s future in Edinburgh in March.
Members will be invited to consider a discussion paper in which the Constitution For Scotland, Liberation Scotland, and campaign group Respect Scottish Sovereignty have set out their views.
There will be also be a discussion on Scotland’s sovereignty and governance with all participants involved rather than in lecture style. Groups will later discuss Scotland's right to self-determination.
William Duguid, a key organiser of the convention, said: "The overall aim of the governance discussion will be to address one broad question: how might decentralised power, direct democracy, and a democratically elected second chamber provide more checks and balances on government and the legislative process, and create a layer of protection for Scotland’s constitutional principles?"
Those who have already registered to attend the convention will receive advance copies of the initial discussion paper on governance.
What will be discussed at the convention?
Ahead of the convention, members have been asked to consider:
- What aspects of current governance need to improve?
- What vision of democracy do we aspire to, and what are the impediments?
- How do we move from where we are to a shared vision, and what are the priorities?
Two key topics to be discussed are listed as "Our Land" and "Scotland’s Energy Future".
Previously, IFS secretary John Brown stressed the convention is “not a citizens’ convention, or indeed a constitutional convention”, although it may have the potential to develop into the latter over time.
Brown said: “[The convention] is not dependent on party politics, and isn’t an explicit independence delivery strategy – though it’s certainly aimed at achieving meaningful self-determination by working with individuals and organisations across all elements of society in Scotland.
“It will be an essential step in creating the sort of consensus that may enable Scotland to map out its route to independence.”
Where will the Convention for Scotland’s Future take place?
The IFS Convention for Scotland’s Future will take place on Saturday, March 1 at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre in Edinburgh.
Because of space considerations at the venue, numbers will be restricted to 120.
The IFS is encouraging those interested to apply as soon as possible. You can download the application form here.
