Mairi McAllan has said that a fresh vote on Scotland’s future is long overdue, pointing to one million new voters who will be eligible by the next parliamentary term.
The SNP MSP believes the new generation deserves the chance to shape the country they have grown up in, one shaped by the impacts of Covid, Brexit and the cost of living crisis.
“Independence is the fresh start that Scotland needs,” she said.
“It is the only change that will work for Scotland and key to delivering a better future.”
Ms McAllan reflected on the 2014 referendum as a moment of energy and optimism, especially among young people.
She said that spirit must be reignited for those who were too young to vote last time but who now face even greater challenges.
“The 2014 independence referendum was an energised and hopeful campaign with young people at its heart,” she said.
“I remember how empowered and optimistic I felt, something that is sadly a rarity for Scotland’s next generation.
“Our young people have borne the brunt of Covid, Brexit and a Westminster cost of living crisis that have made costs grow higher, opportunities fewer and challenges greater.”
She said younger voters recognise that a better future is possible and want to play their part in shaping it.
“There’s a reason that independence sees such strong support among younger people, they know that a better future is possible and they want their voices to be heard.”
By 2030, around one million Scots who did not vote in 2014 will be eligible to do so.
Ms McAllan said that milestone makes the case for a fresh referendum impossible to ignore.
“Westminster governments have always ignored Scotland, our young people most of all, but by 2030 one million Scots who did not have their say in 2014 will be eligible to vote,” she said.
“A generation has now passed, and it’s time Scotland’s young people are able to determine their own future.
“Only a vote for the SNP in 2026 will make that possible.”
