- SNP shifts election strategy.
- Independence without referendum.
- Middle East conflict influence.
The decision not to use the upcoming election as a de facto referendum represents a departure from the strategy advocated by the SNP during Nicola Sturgeon’s tenure.
In contrast to Nicola Sturgeon’s approach, the SNP will not employ the upcoming general election as a de facto referendum on independence.
Conversely, the party has chosen to use its annual conference in Aberdeen to announce its intent to engage in discussions with Westminster on the means by which Scotland can achieve independence if it secures a majority of Scottish seats in the general election expected next year.
According to one SNP member, this is an attempt to secure the mandate needed for independence, rather than a straightforward referendum in favor of independence itself.
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) endorsed the strategy formerly advocated by former leader Ms. Sturgeon, stating that obtaining fifty percent plus one of the vote in Scotland should be seen as the Scottish people declaring their independence.
Current SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf supported the shift away from his predecessor’s position.
He stated that using the upcoming general election as a de facto referendum on independence is the “wrong approach.”
This conference marks the first since the court rejected Ms. Sturgeon’s attempt to hold a referendum, followed by her resignation, arrest, subsequent release, and the investigation into the party’s finances.
Tommy Sheppard, an SNP member of parliament who proposed an amendment shifting the party’s focus from a referendum to an alternative pro-independence course of action, revealed to the conference that ten percent of independence supporters do not back the SNP or other pro-independence parties in the upcoming election.
“The truth is that over 10% of the Scottish electorate desires independence for Scotland, but it’s not their top priority at the moment,” Mr. Sheppard added.
He argued that the lack of support for other pro-independence organizations, such as Alex Salmond’s Alba Party, demonstrates that voters won’t rally behind a party seeking immediate independence.
Another member of parliament, Joanna Cherry, expressed her opposition to using the 2024 vote as a de facto referendum but suggested that the option should remain open, even for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Pete Wishart, an individual member of parliament, advocated for the upcoming general election to serve as a referendum.
He demanded a “credible and realistic route” to independence for the party from the UK.
“It’s time to stop asking and start asserting,” he continued, emphasizing that each election should be regarded as a de facto referendum. He added, “We will continue to do so until they fully engage or until we secure victory, which we are confident in achieving.”
Mr. Yousaf’s spouse and SNP councillor Nadia El Nakla’s parents reside in Gaza, thus the Middle East war loomed over the conference.
An emergency motion that Hamas’ “terrorist attacks” end and the release of all hostages.
The document reaffirms the party’s commitment to adhering to international law and advocates for a two-state resolution.
The motion received unanimous support from the party.
