The campaign for Scotland to become an independent country inspired people across the country to imagine a better and more progressive future for all, says Lorna Slater MSP.
Reflecting on her experiences of the 2014 referendum, the Scottish Greens Co-Leader highlighted how the independence campaign allowed people across Scotland to imagine a better future, one which would allow the redistribution of wealth and help to promote peace on a global stage.
In a debate secured by Ms Slater on the 10-year anniversary of the Scottish Independence referendum, the Scottish Greens Co-Leader told the chamber:
“I have very fond memories of the run up to Indyref 2014 – everywhere I went: work, the gym, walking down the street, people were talking about first past the post voting systems, the unelected House of Lords, the powers, or lack there-of under devolution and whether Scotland should be home to nuclear weapons.
“People were energised, and interested in politics, this was a moment where we had the power to shape the future.
“I was not a campaigner for independence, and I wasn’t involved in politics in any way at the time.
“I was working in Orkney, on a wave energy machine.
“I travelled back to my home in Edinburgh to cast my vote for Yes.”
Ms Slater continued:
“The independence campaign inspired us, because it gave us the chance to imagine something better.
“To engage with the big questions around how we build a society based on fairness, equality and respect; how we redistribute wealth so that everyone has enough to live a dignified life; and how we can play our role on a global stage to foster peace and good global citizenship.
“The Scottish Greens have long supported independence because of the opportunity independence gives us to build a fairer, greener, more equal Scotland.”
Ms Slater reflected:
“Again and again, the last 10 years have shown up the limits that Scotland faces as part of the UK, aggravated by a UK government so disrespectful of this Parliament and the entire concept of devolution.
“But we must not lose hope.
“Nor should we lose sight of our on-going vision of what independence is for and how the powers of independence can make people’s lives better.”
