The independence movement has reached a crossroads.
For years, supporters of independence have been told to wait patiently, trust the process and accept that progress would come through gradual political pressure and requests for another referendum.
That strategy has failed.
Twice, Alliance To Liberate Scotland warned that relying entirely on a “Both Votes SNP” approach risked allowing Unionist parties to regain ground at Holyrood.
Twice, we were dismissed, criticised and accused of dividing the movement.
But the outcome speaks for itself.
Unionist parties gained seats that a more unified pro independence strategy could potentially have prevented.
We also warned that Westminster would reject any request for a Section 30 order, the legal mechanism required for an agreed independence referendum.
Again, we were told we were wrong.
Again, events proved otherwise.
The UK Government has repeatedly made clear it has no intention of granting another referendum on independence.
Scotland now faces a political reality where support for independence continues, but the route toward achieving it remains blocked by Westminster.
That leaves the movement with a choice.
Continue asking for permission that may never come.
Or unite behind a new strategy designed to place Scotland’s future directly in the hands of the Scottish people.
Alliance To Liberate Scotland believes the time has come for pro independence parties, organisations and campaigners to work together around a single objective.
That objective would be to seek a direct democratic mandate from the people of Scotland through an election focused entirely on independence.
Under this proposal, a future Scottish Parliament election would effectively become a national vote on independence itself, with pro independence parties standing on a clear commitment that a majority vote for independence supporting candidates would represent a democratic instruction from the Scottish people to begin the process of ending the Union.
Supporters describe this as a “plebiscite election”, meaning an election used specifically to settle one major constitutional question.
The argument behind the proposal is straightforward.
If Westminster refuses to allow a formal referendum, then a democratic election centred entirely on independence could serve as an alternative way for Scotland’s electorate to express its decision.
Alliance To Liberate Scotland argues that continuing with what it describes as “constitutional delay” risks frustrating independence supporters and weakening momentum within the wider movement.
The organisation says the focus now should be on unity rather than internal division.
It is calling on all pro independence supporters, regardless of party affiliation, to put aside differences and work together around a single strategy aimed at securing a clear democratic mandate.
The wider debate around Scotland’s constitutional future is unlikely to disappear.
Supporters of independence argue Scotland should have the right to determine its own future through democratic means.
Opponents argue constitutional change must happen within existing UK legal frameworks.
What is increasingly clear however is that frustration is growing among parts of the independence movement over the lack of progress since the 2014 referendum.
For Alliance To Liberate Scotland, the message is that the movement must now decide whether it continues waiting for permission from Westminster or attempts to create a new democratic route forward through electoral pressure and political unity.
