Campaigning for an independent Scotland
Sadly boiler problems have forced the Waverley out of service for emergency repairs, which make the paddle steamer unavailable for at least 3 months.
Continue reading “Indy cruise 27th July to Campbeltown AUOB rally (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)”
Craig Dalzell, head of Head of Policy and Research at Common Weal, will speak on “Public Finances in an independent Scotland”, and answer your questions. All welcome! In the function room of the Clermiston Inn, EH4 7EG. If you want to do your homework on some of Craig’s articles, you’ll find them at https://thecommongreen.scot
1. Ian Grant was in the chair.
2. The speaker was Philippa Whitford MP, on “Brexit and the NHS”. There is a Livestream for people who couldn’t make it on the night. Scotland has had 2 recent referendums – we were told to vote No to stay in the EU and keep the NHS in 2014, and we voted to Remain in the EU in 2016. Circumstances have now changed dramatically – we are heading out of the EU against our will, and the Tories are pressing ahead with their privatisation of NHS England. People are bored with talking about Brexit, and hope it won’t apply to them – but it will. The media talk as though Brexit is only about trade, but it’s about a whole lot more:
Brexit is being used by the UK to drive through a power grab from devolution. Why does that matter?
Section 75 of the Health and Social Care Act in England mandates that all contracts must be put out to tender. This makes the NHS competitive rather than collaborative – but collaboration is the secret behind the success of NHS Scotland in improving healthcare, in areas such as cancer treatment. Allowing a situation where Virgin can drain £2 million out of the NHS by taking them to court will not lead to improved healthcare.
1 in 5 people in Scotland (and 1 in 4 children) are living in poverty (it’s worse in England). Poverty is the biggest driver in health and mental health, and Westminster is not going to improve things – it’s deliberate.
We’re approaching a fork in the road with Brexit – we have to campaign NOW. Last time there was the choice of a status quo – this timethere isn’t.
3. Future meetings
4.1 Condolences to Bob and Adrienne Murray on the loss of their daughter Caroline.
4.2 Ian Grant is working with SIF (Scottish Independence Foundation) – monthly donations always welcome.
4.3 We are working with Yes2 Edinburgh and Lothians on a leaflet promoting Edinburgh as capital of an Independent Scotland.
4.4 We are working with the Scottish Independence Movement on a “Clean Currency” leaflet.
4.5 We have “NHS for Yes” leaflets.
4.6 We have “Scotland the Brand” leaflets.
You’ll find us on Yes Edinburgh West website, Facebook , National Yes Registry and Twitter. Have a look at our Eflets, book previews, film previews and our Library of topics on Scottish Politics, including Independence.
Anne Donohoe was in the chair. The speaker on “Living Rent” was unable to attend.Thanks to Gerry, we are now GDPR-compliant
A large proportion did not re-subscribe – try a follow-up GM
5.1 Peter Curran has had some success with a letter-writing campaign (to local/national newspapers)
5.2 Ann Rayner has attended several “Scotland the Brand” market events, and could use some more volunteers
5.3 Contributions were requested to cover the venue hire of £30.
5.4 Full version of NYR IndyApp has been launched BG
5.5 SNP street stalls at Drum Brae and Corstorphine had a positive reception – we should consider taking a table next year
5.6 There is a rising wave of activism, particularly with the Glasgow and Dumfries rallies, which a number of us attended. Bannockburn, Dundee, Inverness and Edinburgh are being planned.
We should obtain a Yes Edinburgh West banner GM
5.7 Yes Edinburgh and Lothian have a meeting on June 11 to discuss how to publicise campaigning events
You’ll find us on Yes Edinburgh West website, Facebook , National Yes Registry and Twitter. Have a look at our Eflets, book previews and film previews. There is also a Library of useful information on Scottish Politics.
As we campaign for independence, Yes supporters are increasingly concerned about how we get our message across in the face of a largely hostile mainstream media.
For our meeting on 7th May, Yes Edinburgh West will be holding a workshop-style event to discuss ways to overcome this.
The subject will be “Media Platforms”, and the workshop will aim to explore what the various platforms are; how best to make use of them; and what actions participants would feel confident in taking themselves going forward.
As always, everyone who is interested is welcome to join us. Our meetings in May and June are at 7.30pm in the Shandon Snooker Centre
Yes Edinburgh West meeting minutes, Shandon Snooker, 2 April 2018
1. The format of the meeting was a structured workshop led by Peter Curran, to discuss the issues raised by last Friday’s “Hands off our Parliament” rally.
2. Apologies: Ian Grant, Paul Haldane
3. There were 12 attendees, with no Livestream as it is impossible to cover separate workshop groups. Email addresses given will be added to the mailing list unless anyone objects.
4. Peter set the scene for the discussion by covering the UK Withdrawal Bill, the Scottish Continuity Bill, the Sewell Convention in the Scotland Act (which was supposed to protect the Scottish Parliament from interference from Westminster in devolved areas, but which has been proven to be an empty promise). As a result of Brexit, there are 24 powers which are not reserved to Westminster, but which it wants to deal with at UK level. It has now accepted that there is a “presumption” that these powers will be devolved.
5. The question was posed: “do you support devolution as a path to independence, are you happy with devolution as is, or are you undecided”? All joined the first group (split into 3 groups), one opted for the third. The groups were asked to discuss if they understood Withdrawal, Continuity and Sewell.
6. The next question tackled was “what could go wrong”? The groups were moved around for this discussion. Clearly, looking at the 24 powers, there are things such as fishing and food protection that Westminster could formulate a UK position on that would be damaging to Scotland (for example, they could concede fishing rights in order to obtain a better deal for the City of London, or they could cause substantial damage to Scotland the Brand). Alternatively, the Scottish government could accept an offer of a partial return of powers – this was met with vehement opposition, as it was felt that this is an issue which goes to the root of the question of Scottish sovereignty – are we always to submit to Westminster preferences? Thirdly, the UK could decide to reverse direct and cancel Brexit.
7. The last question was “should we do a range of things to protect the Scottish Parliament”? Again, with different group members. The following action points arose:
8. AOCB:
8.1 Ann Rayner has attended 2 “Scotland the Brand” market events, and could use some more volunteers
8.2 We are planning a voter survey and a leaflet drop in local areas in April
8.3 Contributions were requested to cover the venue hire of £30.
8.4 It was agreed that we should continue with this venue for at least 2 more months
8.5 Check if the Clermiston Inn is still unavailable on Monday nights (BG)
8.5 Next meeting will be 7th May (another Bank holiday). This will be a workshop on Media.
You’ll find us on Yes Edinburgh West website, Facebook , National Yes Registry and Twitter. Have a look at our Eflets, book previews and film previews and our Library of topics on Scottish Politics, including Independence.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/letters/16137912.Letters__Scotland_will_not_give_way_on_the_24_powers_post_Brexit/