This May, the Scottish electorate will head to the polls to elect members of their national parliament—and by extension, their First Minister. For the first time, all foreign nationals with leave to remain—including individuals with approved refugee status—will have the franchise. This is symbolic of Scotland’s progressive reforms under SNP leadership. Crucially, it reinforces the nation’s respect, love, and embrace for all those who choose to make Scotland their home. 

With the starting pistol fired, and all parties sprinting towards the finishing line with only a month to this historical election, it is absolutely vital citizens fully consider their choices. I argue that Scotland can only flourish under Sturgeon, as a fully independent, sovereign member of the European family of nations, and as a passionate contributor to EU institutions in Brussels. This is about pursuing full democracy for the people of Scotland and safeguarding their right to self-determination. Scotland voted 62% in favour of remaining within the EU - and yet was dragged out against its will. Now, instead of having a group of democratically elected MEPs providing a strong voice for Scotland in Brussels and Strasbourg, we have unelected and largely unaccountable UK Government delegates ‘representing’ us in Geneva. This has translated into the Scottish people experiencing a gargantuan change of social, economic and political situation since 2014 on the question of independence in which EU membership was promised. In addition, polling throughout the pandemic showed consistent support for the movement.

If the Scottish people return a pro-independence majority to Holyrood, Boris Johnson can no longer deny Scotland a section 30 order to hold a referendum. The international community must condemn the Westminster government, and critique the hypocritical claims it projects around the world that it promotes democracy and believes in the principle of self-determination. Scottish independence is not about hatred, division, bitterness or separatism. Rather, it is about hope for a better future, democracy, internationalism and promoting Scotland’s interests. For thirty-six out of the last sixty years, Scotland has put up with Tory governments that it did not elect. This election is an opportunity to send a strong message to London by voting for the SNP. 

The SNP is the only party in Scotland that can successfully deliver pragmatic, progressive measures that build a healthier, smarter, wealthier, greener and safer Scotland in the post-Covid world. And it has a proven track record with 14 years in government. The SNP Government gave families a Baby Box packed with essential items for a child’s first six months of life: a huge success delivered by Children’s Minister Maree Todd who has been a true champion for young people. While students in England pay up to £28,000 in university tuition fees, Scottish students gain access to a world-class education based not on the ability to pay, but the ability to learn. The SNP has increased health and care funding by over 60% and made prescriptions free. Further, the Scottish Child Payment introduced by the SNP will help lift 30,000 children out of poverty. And now, Nicola Sturgeon has promised to double this benefit if re-elected. These actions targeted at reducing economic, health and educational inequality, along with historically low crime rates under a strong and accountable police service, emphasize that the SNP are committed to improving conditions in deprived communities like Govan where I was raised. Meanwhile, the Tories have relentlessly pursued unnecessary fiscal austerity, slashed benefits, presided over the failure of Universal Credit, and developed a cruel and unforgiving Department for Work and Pensions. We must leave them carping on from the sidelines at Holyrood. 

While the SNP has worked tremendously hard over the past 14 years to deliver on its promises to the Scottish people, it has not tired and is full of energy. So far, I have attended virtual campaign launches, candidate question and answer sessions, and bi-partisan discussions on salient issues like women’s equality. There is a fantastic buzz this election season, and whether I can convince you to cast both of your votes for the SNP or not, it is vital that you engage in the national conversation about our collective future and vote on May 6. It is key that there is also constructive debate within the SNP itself. I strongly believe in an enhanced focus on securing the devolution of immigration and drugs policy powers—first by piloting consumption rooms and a Scottish visa to challenge depopulation—as well as a leadership role for an independent Scotland in the international community. In practice, this means NATO membership and a robust air force and navy so that we can play a moral role in humanitarian interventions, and a visible role in counter-terrorism missions to protect citizens and the homeland. Furthermore, Scotland should define itself as a defender of international law and advocate for climate action in the UN while striving for an influential seat on the Security Council like Ireland and partaking in peacekeeping missions and mediating. Scotland needs to connect its Highlands and Lowlands, which can be achieved through the nationalisation of ScotRail and Gaelic language teaching. The SNP’s focus must also be on presenting the Scottish public with the economic merits of independence.  

While these are my personal persuasions on various points of discussion among the general public and the party, and you or party members may vehemently disagree - that is a fundamentally good thing. The SNP is becoming a place that encourages positive discussion.

And even more so with the creation of the Alba (‘Al-a-buh’) Party, and older activists gradually opening their minds towards the vision of younger members who have one eye on progressive measures within devolved responsibility and another eye on independence. 

I can tell you from experience that Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney value the contribution of young people. That’s why this election, I encourage you to cast both ballots for the SNP: for serious leadership for serious times, a strong recovery from Covid-19, and a chance to choose independence.

Josh Traynor