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Five ‘Nos’ for Scotland from Labour

There is an increasing acceptance that Labour is likely to form the next UK government. Post-conference polling shows the gap between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer is widening. So what does the party’s offer to Scotland amount to?

We analysed Keir Starmer’s conference speech and found it contained many blocks and betrayals of things Scotland was told it would have benefitted from under a Labour government. Here are five ‘Nos” from the speech.

Second Scottish Independence Congress 23/24

Believe in Scotland is hosting a series of events and discussions to agree how we and our 142 affiliated local and national Yes Groups campaign in 2024. We will also consider carefully how we respond officially to the suggested routes to independence that come out of the political party conferences in October.

Labour's incoherent Brexit plans are a dangerous distraction

If Labour gets in at the next election, Scotland can look forward to a tortuous and ineffectual attempt by the Westminster government to “make Brexit work”. Any improvements will be tiny and take years because there is no fundamental reset available inside Keir Starmer’s ‘red lines’.

Divergent economic priorities will be the reason Scotland becomes independent

Differences in economic policy between Scotland and the UK are nothing new. Since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, Scotland has implemented different taxation regimes, taken a different approach to investment and implemented different regulations in devolved areas.

However, Scotland’s pursuit of a wellbeing economy marks the point at which the Scottish and UK governments will diverge on a more foundational economic question: what should the purpose of the economy be?

The answer to this question makes Scotland’s independence inevitable.

Sunak's U-turn Makes Clear the Only Chance for Net Zero is Independence

Rishi Sunak’s latest roll back of net zero policy was more a statement of things that he would not do, rather than things he would. It has attracted backlash from the public, world leaders, his own party and perhaps most surprisingly, car manufacturers. It is difficult to make sense of this decision when the climate crisis has become a larger threat than ever. This does, however, present Scotland with an opportunity. The UK is not a viable option – not politically nor economically nor, apparently, as one committed to the future of humanity. Scotland has the chance to do something different. As SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn aptly put it, “Scotland has the energy – we just need the power”.

The UK government is sabotaging Scotwind

When the Scottish Government auctioned the right to develop offshore wind in Scotland’s waters last year there was huge excitement about the potential to create a headline 25GW of power. But the UK Government’s latest interventions means it is increasingly likely that less than a third will be onstream by 2030 – and it could be even less.

Why Scotland urgently needs a hydrogen pipeline to Europe

Scotland has enormous renewable energy potential – with some of the fastest wind speeds in Europe. But the UK’s ‘weak’ and ‘creaking’ National Grid is a major barrier. The UK-wide National Grid was privatised under Margaret Thatcher and it has been starved of investment. As a result, it cannot connect many more renewable electricity projects from Scotland for years, perhaps decades to come.

Three reasons why Scotland needs independence more than ever

Those taking to the streets tomorrow at the March and Rally for an Independent Scotland in the EU. will be doing so because they understand that independence is the first step we need on the road to creating a better, fairer, more prosperous country. The Union is no longer meeting Scotland’s needs. Scotland’s interests are far from being at the top of the UK’s agenda. As an independent country, Scotland will be able to do things differently - the way we decide. Here are three reasons why Scotland needs independence more than ever.

Get involved with the Wellbeing Pension Campaign!

Believe in Scotland is supporting the Wellbeing Pension Campaign, which is fighting for pension reform that will allow older people in Scotland to live with dignity. Here, we will provide some information about the campaign and how to get involved.