Obviously as an Alba member I have to support Alba candidates once they've actually been selected, and I do, but as I said the other day, the priority has to be to urge the party to slow down and ideally stop the unveiling of more and more candidates in more and more constituencies. There are already nine listed on the website, and I know of at least three more in the pipeline, who will presumably be announced tomorrow at the spring conference. I hope it doesn't go much beyond that, and I'm mildly encouraged by this line in the weekly Alba email from Neale Hanvey: "what will be the first chance to see all of our ALBA Party General Election candidates in one place as they are announced". That can possibly be interpreted as meaning that whoever is announced tomorrow will constitute the final tranche of candidates, and there won't be any more afterwards. That would be a welcome development. If a decision has been made to stand the minimum number of candidates to nab a party election broadcast, then OK, but don't cause needless harm to the independence cause and to Alba's good standing with Yes supporters by going way beyond that minimum.
I've heard two main arguments for why Alba will supposedly not cause harm by intervening in a first-past-the-post general election, but neither of them are remotely convincing. Firstly, it's said that these are seats that the SNP are going to lose anyway. Well, if elections really were that predictable, recent history would look radically different. We knew Iain "the Snarl" Gray was going to be elected First Minister in 2011 until he wasn't. We knew Remain were going to win the EU referendum until they didn't. We knew Tyrannical Theresa was going to win a landslide majority in 2017 until she lost her majority altogether. We may think it's unlikely that the SNP will recover sufficiently this year to become competitive in seats like Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, but we certainly don't know that they won't. If they do, and if Alba's intervention tips the balance and helps the Lib Dems hold on, there will plainly be a lot of disquiet among independence supporters and probably a greater reluctance to vote Alba on the list in 2026.
Secondly, it's argued that Alba will not be taking votes away from the SNP but will simply be picking up former SNP voters who would otherwise be going to Labour or abstaining. That's just wishful thinking in my view. Anyone who cares enough about independence to consider voting for a small party like Alba would be unlikely to vote Labour in the first place. They might abstain, but if Alba are successful in picking up abstainers with a radical independence message, they'll almost certainly also pick up people who would otherwise be holding their nose and voting SNP. And if those votes are taken away from the SNP column, unionist victories are undoubtedly made more likely.
Glad you agree that a vote for Alba is a vote for the Union, but isn't that what was originally planned and the truth withheld from potential supporters of the *we're only here to help out the SNP" plan
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could direct me to the bit where I said "a vote for Alba is a vote for the Union". Oh I see, you were lying.
DeleteA vote for ALBA could result in a unionist taking a seat that otherwise would have remained SNP. We will only know once the G E is held. If that happens Alba may pay a heavy cost. I thought when Alba was established, it was as a list only party in Holyrood elections. What has changed this? The apparently inability of Alba to see a bigger picture worries me. If Labour get in with a large majority it is a real possibility they will dilute devolutionary powers even further than the tories have already, and come the 2026 Holyrood elections , the Indy cause will find itself in a much worse place. Neither Alba nor Green currently have my list vote, and I know others who feel the same. I cannot see Slater’s Indy not a Red Line party ever getting my list vote back, and all signs from Alba are that they are not getting it either. The optics appear to show Alba more intent on having a go at the SNP than seeking to destroy unionism and gaining Independence. The lukewarm attitude of SNP towards progressing Indy has been a huge disappointment but from my perspective Alba are not addressing this. We all know that come the G E Alba will have no elected MPs. I’d happily come back here and take the flak if I’m wrong but I’m not. I’ll go further and say they will not even get near the 6 per cent or so needed to have a chance in the list vote come the Holyrood election. They appear not to have learned the lesson from the gross error of judgement in voting with unionists in the vote of no confidence. It’s a drawn out suicide.
DeleteThe issue though is that Alba haven't just decided to do this on a whim. Since Day 1 Alba have attempted to maximise pro-independence representation with #SNP1Alba2 in the last Scottish Parliament election, 'Vote until you drop' in the Council elections, offering an olive branch to the SNP by not standing in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West By-election, offering to work with Humza Yousaf to save his job if only he'd progress the cause of independence and they pushed 'Scotland United' for the upcoming General Election to such an extrent it actually started to annoy some members as it became embarrassing to still suggest it when SNP supporters were outright laughing and ridicuing the idea.
DeleteAlso since Day 1 Alba have called for a Constitutional Convention to bring the Yes movement back together to devise/unite behind an effective strategy for independence. It can't be said that Alba haven't tried.
I totally agree with you. I have voted SNP in every election I could since 1974 but the I'll will between SNP and Alba (and Green) is very depressing. I think a lot of the malice us to be found among newer converts to the independence movement, who are in a hurry [nothing wrong with that], whereas we older ones are pleased to embrace all independence supporters. Alec Salmond isn't Hitler. Nicola Sturgeon isn't Madame Dufarge, and Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie aren't the Satan's spawn. Unless you're a Britnat seeking to spread division among us.
DeleteAlba candidates could always have something on their leaflets like:
ReplyDelete"Only vote Alba if you're not going to vote SNP anyway".
It's a bit unlikely to happen of course, but it would be genuine and honest, and might be good publicity for Alba within YES . Shouldn't break any electoral rules either.
That's a bit like me saying to people who plan to abstain that they'd be better to at least spoil their ballot sheet with INDEPENDENCE written across it.
No, that's counterproductive. Cast ballots, valid or spoilt, count towards turnout which in turn provides that election with legitimacy. You're essentially saying "I support no candidate but I accept this system" with a spoilt ballot, even if you write "I reject this system" on it.
DeleteIf 5% of the electorate spoils its ballots, that would not deliver independence, but it would push turnout up by 5%. This strategy is doomed to backfire unless at least two million people agree to do it.
Higher turnout than Holyrood has so far provided Westminster elections with popular sovereignty. Abstaining at least withdraws that mandate and transfers it to Holyrood.
Wholeheartedly agree with you. A slump in turnout will be the strongest signal we can give, with the pitiful choices put before us in this election.
DeleteSpoiled ballots are still ballots at the end of the day. The true abstention is the one which doesn’t even recognise the election itself, and so denies it popular power.
Disagree - a large number of spoilt ballot papers shows discontent. The message is important - reducing turnout indicates zilch. Imagine a 10 pc reduction in SNP votes matched by a similar number of spoilt ballot papers. It sends a message. Voting SNP in this election is not a vote for independence - it's a vote of fear. This mob needs a clear out they have done nothing for independence and if you vote them back in then you're endorsing their record. More of the same? No thanks - I'll be spoiling my ballot paper first time ever. Call me a unionist if you want but I think maybe it's time you grow up. Unionists are the ones we need to convert not drive away those already on side.
Delete@10.41: Consider this: ~5% of the electorate votes for the Greens. If that 5% spoilt their ballots instead, saying something like "Just stop oil". What would be the effect?
DeleteHee-haw. No Green MSPs would be elected. The rest of Scotland looks and laughs at them, then moves on. Oil keeps flowing.
Ultimately, we need +50% to progress the independence cause. Stop looking for shortcuts.
Anon 8.26 your response doesn't make sense
DeleteWhat about the argument that the SNP ARE The Hurdle?
ReplyDeletePut aside their recent track record in government and ask these questions. Do they engage with wider Yes Movement? Do they have fresh Ideas for post-Indy? Do they even have a realistic plan to get Indy?
We know the above answers. How do we change that? We need them to sort themselves out and listen.
It’s also not like Alba didn’t offer a pact at WM, but SNP ignored it & are standing against both Alba MP’s and MacNeil.
Also worth considering the impact of losing WM has on YES / SNP. Some negatives but it ain't a real defeat like Holyrood would be. It’s not like those MPs ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING of significance, and failure might even teach them to reflect & engage with the rest of us. It might even force SNP to change enough to avoid a Holyrood defeat - which I hope they do.
"Also worth considering the impact of losing WM has on YES / SNP. Some negatives but it ain't a real defeat like Holyrood would be"
DeleteThat is just ASTOUNDINGLY naive. A Holyrood defeat can be recovered from, but the likelihood is that if Labour get their Westminster majority in Scotland back, they'll keep it indefinitely. That would be a crushing, irreversible blow to the independence cause.
‘Indefinitely’ is a long time in politics!
DeleteWhy indefinitely? Do you mean literally indefinitely in the sense you cannot define it? Because the idea they'll go 20 years, while possible, doesn't feel right
DeleteThe hurdle is the Scottish people only half supporting independence
DeleteYou can't make a Scottish breakfast with one tattie scone. No matter how much the guest complains.
The moaners needs to accept the SNP are playing with one arm tied behind their back by the Scottish people themselves ..and the other by a knowing London.
Until the former changes, stop the whinging at the only political party that can achieve this and get on board making a positive case to make the difference.
"Because the idea they'll go 20 years, while possible, doesn't feel right"
DeleteOh far more than twenty. The word I was going to use was "forever", but then I thought "well who knows what would happen after 70 or 80 years". But certainly more than twenty.
Anon @8:34
DeleteUndoubtedly, i agree. I think we need to get Yes vote to at least 56% or higher. We should beat No higher than they beat us in 2014, to put this to bed, so we should be aiming to go higher than 60%.
When I called SNP “The Hurdle” it is because they have no clue on how to grow support. They believe Growth Commission & good governance (which they’re not even doing anymore) is what was needed. They don’t engage with any of the wider Yes movement or even their own members to establish a better approach. And a better approach is needed. They also have the most stupid plan for enacting a vote - “err we’ll just ask for a section 30 repeatedly, or a majority of seats at WM” - Whit??? They’re acting clueless on Independence and it’s either because they are clueless or because they’re stalling - comfortable with Devolution or scared of rocking the system. They are presently The Hurdle. The Yes Movement needs the SNP to change and talk to wider Yes Movement before Yes support can grow.
James at 5:21am
Delete“ That is just ASTOUNDINGLY naive. A Holyrood defeat can be recovered from, but the likelihood is that if Labour get their Westminster majority in Scotland back, they'll keep it indefinitely. That would be a crushing, irreversible blow to the independence cause.”
Yes, it’s a risk. However:
This will likely be peak Labour appeal right now. They are only polling so highly in UK because Tories are abysmal, and SNP are messing up in Scotland, not because Labour are worth voting for. A renewed SNP would have both more seats & smaller majorities to defeat in future elections than they did in 2015. I’d argue “indefinitely” is only 5 to 15 years depending on how long SNP take to sort themselves out.
Holyrood is worth way more to Independence cause than WM is. What have our MPs achieved at WM in their 9 years?
If SNP do not change before 2026, then the biggest danger is that they lose 2026. I do not want that to happen. If they escape WM and just narrowly win, they may carry on like everything is OK, and lose. That’s the biggest danger we face of next few years, a far bigger risk than Labour taking WM seats for next half a generation.
Also, it’s not MY main reason for voting Alba. I just want them to succeed as a party so I will vote them at WM, and SNP1 Alba2 at Holyrood. However, if my MP is also Stewart MacDonald, so “The Hurdle” is a reason to vote Alba.
Individual MPs don't direct a party, very naive of you to think they do
DeleteAnon 1230am - a defeat isn’t really a defeat!! Actually it is. Still some of the pretend independence supporters will be gleeful.
DeleteA lot of the pretend Independence supporters will be thrown out of Westminster! Good riddance. They have been choking our movement too long.
DeleteRe: “Indefinitely.” I don’t buy that James. Star is very, very, very bad! Scott of every persuasion will see-through him very soon. He may well be the best possible choice for forwarding our case for independence. More Tory than the wildest Tory. Truly the death of British Labour. Bring him on!
Again my apologies for iPhone typos. Suncream is more important, sorry. 😉
DeleteAnon at 9•39 where can I vote for the Yes movement on the ballot paper ?
DeleteA damn good question, isn’t it? All of us who want independence—not the pretence of half-heartedly begging for it every few years—are left completely voiceless by this sham of an establishment party.
DeleteAnonymous May 18, 2024 at 5.32 pm says "All of us who want independence—not the pretence of half-heartedly begging for it every few years—are left completely voiceless by this sham of an establishment party."
DeleteSo - there's allegedly a massive Yes movement out there, thousands of people who declare they want independence and declare they are 'left completely voiceless'. What's wrong - lost your voices? Too busy giving all your time to years of promulgating and spreading gossip and tittle tattle about inside stuff about the SNP - led by bearing personal grudges gamers who really just want to take over the SNP while it has governmental status - who have convinced you that if THEY were in charge of the SNP they tell you THEY will get you independence quicker?
What a pity there isn't a real Yes movement totally devoted actually to achieving independence - because that committed movement of allegedly thousands of devoted independence believers would have been spending the last 4 years fully engaging with ALL of the voters in Scotland about why an independent Scotland would be the better option for Scotland than remaining under the Labour/Tory Westminster right-wing American governance model at Westminster - and how their Scottish Government is hog-tied in a half-way house stagnation beleagured by that enforced relationship and that that is why we are where we are right now.
What a pity there isn't a genuine Yes movement which isn't obsessed with tittle tattle, like Robin MacAlpine, the alleged great strategist for Scotland's well-being, to spend time pandering for popularity from the malleable time-wasting allegedly independence supporting audience, to perform another diversionary performance chatting with Alex Salmond about Humza Yousaf not having had enough 'hatred' for Alba! Good grief. Is that supposed to reflect the level of mature discourse to impress the Scottish public that these loudest alleged proponents of independence have the maturity, sincerity , adult approach to leading Scotland to achieve independence - or was it just another performative jinx to keep the attention of the very malleable knee-jerkers who are kept comfortably onboard because their interest and wee moments of excitement and glee are just totally fulfilled by gossip and backroom tittle tattle - but are known by Robin and Alex because they are targeting what they feel is the less sophisticated audience who see it for the diversionary cheap tactic that it is?
As long as some people feel that game-playing is what it's all about - and are fed game-playing role plays just to pass the time until they have convinced you that that's all that's required whilst they get their REAL ducks in a row for what they REALLY are planning and want - then you're nothing but accessories to an under the radar (to some) strategy and set of tactics to keep you on the boil and react at their bidding. The promulgation and keeping the gossip and tittle tattle on the boil - you may enjoy it, encourage it, be willingly participative in it and feel 'oh look at the cleverness of me' and Alex and Robin et al. But it's keeping independence in a holding pattern with merely the intent of stopping the SNP moving towards it successfully. As soon as it looked as if Nicola Sturgeon (oh yes she did) had hit the 58% - panic set in that there was the chance of achieving more. And it would never have done to have Nicola Sturgeon succeed when 'others' feel the whole notion of independence is THEIR 'precious' and THEY deserve it more - but they still NEED the SNP to be in a governmental position to piggyback and take over with a wee bit of frequency scrambling entryism which they accuse others of doing. Same old Scotland.
Alba may take non-voters too in some areas.
ReplyDeleteSNP won’t.
SNP has been very good at attracting voters.
DeleteGood at attracting voters who vote regularly, not those with little motivation to vote.
DeleteOh yes indeed. That's a real concern of mine and someone should do something about it. To be honest it makes my blood boil. All these onlookers mouthing off and sitting in there recliner armchairs watching Miss Marple. What the h##k is that going to achieve? I give up.
DeleteWhat did trusting Nicola achieve? Our entrapment in brexit Britain? You wanted that did you?
DeleteThe polls indicate John Swinney is approved of by voters. We can expect the SNP to do better in terms of MPs than had been feared.
ReplyDeleteWhen interpreting the results of the election it will be important to remember that large changes in seat numbers are possible when there is only a small change in the vote share.
So that when interpreting the SNPs performance in the election it is best to look at vote share not seat numbers.
Alba are entitled to stand wherever they want but the consequences of their intervention can best be analysed after the election.
Thank you, ChatGPT, for using a lot of words to say nothing at all. Nobody does it better.
DeleteI think you’re underestimating the Rev in Bath. He is very good at lengthy nothings.
DeleteYou think Stu Campbell has written a post approving of John Swinney? I'll have some of what you're smoking.
DeleteSun is shinin’ 🌿
DeleteJames, you’re absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteIf Alba fields too many candidates, it risks splitting the pro-independence vote, making it easier for unionist parties to win.
The priority should be to strengthen the overall independence movement, not just Alba's presence.
By limiting the number of candidates, Alba can avoid inadvertently helping unionists and ensure a unified front with the SNP, increasing the chances of independence-supporting victories.
Tacit collaboration and strategic decisions are key to achieving our shared goal of progress in the independence space, and overextending in the context of an FPTP election could harm the cause we all believe in.
Can we see the list of Alba candidates please? Googling doesn’t find It.
DeleteIf you have a candidate running here in Edinburgh I will gladly vote for you. Otherwise, I’m abstaining. Shame on you, devo forever SNP!
Alba was brought into existence to split the SNP vote, Salmond has already admitted as much, what people should be asking themselves is
ReplyDeletethat's not what he said at the time, therefore he was lying to get himself support and as long as he keeps blurring the lines those supporters will just go along with it because he's bred the hatred in now
Aww
DeleteAww- is that your input? Pretty juvenile. The best thing for independence is SNp in seats since no other pro party will be elected.
DeleteWhat have they achieved in the last 9 years?
DeleteId say the best thing is electing nationalist politicians who have the courage to pursue Independence instead of worrying about their careers or virtue signalling their identity politics values.
"Alba was brought into existence to split the SNP vote, Salmond has already admitted as much" - citation needed.
DeleteFile it under the usual lies about what Salmond is supposed to have said or done.
DeleteSalmond jumped the shark long ago,
DeleteWhile Uncle Jim keeps that motor running.
DeleteWhat does "jumping the shark" mean?
DeleteI’m curious as to why so many people post comments on here as “Anonymous”? Afraid to put their money where their mouths are?
ReplyDeletePerhaps genuine Independence campaigners like Eva Comrie and Sally Hughes are the way forward - people are tired of voting for political parties who are whipped to vote and pass legislation and policies that they do not really agree with resulting in disillusionment from the public in particular women who did not vote for and feel alienated by Hate Crimes and Gender Identity politics.
Sally Hughes is standing against Pete Wishart who is highly-regarded in the local community so it will be a challenge for her to win.
DeletePete Wishart is highly regarded for the self-serving guff he speaks and the peerage he openly yearns for.
DeleteI’m sure the guid folk of Stirling rate him well and won’t rejoice in tossing him out on his superannuated jacksie come the next election.
Eva Comrie will be standing against John Nicholson MP (SNP) who holds quite a large majority in his constituency, so unfortunately it will be quite a large mountain for her to climb.
DeleteLOL. There are many reasons why Sally Hughes will not win, but the personal qualities of Pete Wishart is not one of them.
DeleteYou think Alba are different? if you do then you have a problem
DeleteMy mistake: Alyth Smith is the parasite on the independence movement who will lose Stirling. There’s plenty of them, but less so soon enough.
DeleteMy apologies.
Anon 12:25: Pete Wishart is known in his constituency for his dedication and excellence. His unwavering commitment to his constituents and tireless advocacy for Scottish interests elevate him to higher stature than many politicians. As a virtuoso musician with Runrig, he seamlessly melds artistry with statesmanship, embodying a rare blend of talent and devotion.
DeleteJohn Nicholson will also be quite difficult to beat. He deserves praise for being a dedicated MP known for championing human rights, social justice, and LGBTQ+ equality.
DeleteNicholson should go join Labour.
DeleteA fair point Heather.
DeleteI work for public sector in Scotland as a manager and a large organisation of several thousand. Pronouns are common at my workplace & I don’t trust a lot of my colleagues, when it comes to politics.
I’d rather stay anonymous, however, I can & will adopt a Moniker soon. Perhaps my first name. Others should too.
Cheers
Steve
Anon 1254 Nicholson should go join Labour. I take Alba will support him then?
DeleteThe alphabet soup fanatic strikes again.😄
DeleteINDEPENDENCE! All the other letters can go take a hike. There’ll be time for your business once we are out of this abusive union. Priorities!
DeleteLots of Tartan Tories posting.
DeleteYou could ally with the Tories, continuity SNP, as both of you are neatly aligned on Scottish independence. You’re like Republicans and Democrats: ‘twa cheeks of the same arse. Comfy on your pensions.
DeleteI knew someone called Heather but her surname wasn't McLean. Caught you out there
DeleteAnon 12.27: Alyn Smith of the SNP is a not a parasite he is in fact a highly respected politician, known for his effective advocacy for Scotland's interests in the European Parliament. He played a key role in securing EU funding for Scottish projects and championed environmental and social justice causes, including LGBTQ+, significantly impacting policy decisions.
ReplyDeleteSuch low-effort trolling.
DeleteThe alphabet soup fanatic strikes again.😄
DeleteName one thing he has done for independence. Not “said“, but done!
DeletePLEASE. I BEG of you. Keep a light on for my pension.
DeleteGetting dragged out of Europe must have been especially hard on him, bless. So triggering.
"Name one thing he has done for independence. Not “said“, but done!"
DeleteIt's a troll causing trouble. They don't actually believe what they're saying.
Oh, I get that. Just ask them for their reasoning and they vanish in a poof of smoke.
DeleteI’d like to see them try that at my front door come election time!
The Alba Party has made significant strides in representing the interests and aspirations of Scottish voters. Their commitment to independence and their progressive policies have resonated with many, contributing to the broader movement for Scottish self-determination. The Alba Party's dedication to social justice, economic fairness, and environmental sustainability has set a strong foundation for Scotland's future.
ReplyDeleteHowever, considering the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system used in the Westminster elections, it is crucial to adopt a strategic approach to maximize the pro-independence representation in the UK Parliament. As James Kelly has recommended, it may be beneficial for the Alba Party to stand in fewer seats. By doing so, they can avoid splitting the vote with the SNP, thereby enhancing the chances of pro-independence candidates winning more seats overall.
This strategy is not about diminishing Alba's role but about ensuring the broader objective of achieving independence is prioritized. By focusing on key constituencies where they have the strongest support, the Alba Party can make a substantial impact while allowing the SNP to consolidate their vote in other areas. This collaborative approach can strengthen the pro-independence representation in Westminster, bringing Scotland closer to realizing its goal of independence.
In summary, while the Alba Party's contributions are invaluable, aligning their efforts with a strategic focus on fewer constituencies can help secure a more significant number of pro-independence seats in the Westminster elections, ultimately benefiting the overall independence movement.
How did Alba do in the last council elections?
DeleteI'm in Aberdeen South Flynn's seat.. I'll abstain but if Alba stood I'd vote alba
ReplyDeleteStephen Flynn would surely be a good option?
DeleteYou should vote for Stephen Flynn in that constituency.
DeleteUnder his leadership, the SNP has effectively championed Scotland's interests at Westminster. Flynn played a crucial role in securing increased funding for Scottish infrastructure projects and pushing for progressive LGBTQ+ policies.
His commitment to tackling climate change and promoting renewable energy has garnered widespread praise.
Flynn's eloquence in advocating for Scottish independence have solidified his reputation as a leader and he is now written about in the media as a future leader of the SNP and as future First Minister of Scotland.
He's continuity SNP. I don't vote for fake yes nawbags
DeleteFlynn is bald and can’t shave properly. It’s disgusting listening to him waffle careerist drivel and even more disgusting looking at his chin. He just lies all day. Spineless.
DeleteAnon 4.54 it is inappropriate to make comments about physical appearance. We in the independence movement broadly defined are better than that.
DeleteHis appearance is fair comment actually. They are our *representatives*. Take the effort to represent us as we are!
DeleteAbstaining or voting Alba. Same result either way. Silly boy.
DeleteI'm fascinated by the number of people stating that Alba will cost the SNP seats who don't mention that the Greens plan to stand more candidates than ever in Westminster GE. Leaving aside no-one should expect the votes of the independence movement when they have done heehaw to progress it, far less deliver it, why are the Wine Bar Revolutionaries immune from criticism? After all they brought down an SNP FM (not that he's a loss!)!
ReplyDeleteI'm far more concerned that Alba's candidate is up to his neck in the Cromarty Firth Freeport con that will, alongside its Forth counterpart ensure Scotland really can't afford to be independent given that the first 10 years will be tax free and the profits exported to tax havens.
The Greens support independence, yes, but a vote for the Green party is about much more than that.
DeleteOr much less, some would say.
DeleteHaud yer wheesht, peg your nose, and vote SNP.”
DeleteWhen did that ever work when talking to a Green? Show all Scott the same respect, SNP numpties.
My phone doesn’t like suncream. Stay safe Yessers!
DeleteIn any GE neither Green nor ALBA will win one seat. How does this assist independence?
ReplyDeleteWho’s right is it to lecture voters to vote against their own honest choice? Yours? Who appointed you?
DeleteRemember the Greens are not in the same electoral space as SNP.
DeleteWho appoints the Yes movement?
DeleteExactly. Speak up as who you are and see how many will follow. That’s what makes Scotland a country in the first place and will ultimately win us our independence
DeleteEx SNP MP George Kerevan is to stand for election at the next general election for the Alba party
ReplyDeleteThis is scraping the bottom of the barrel now with a man who takes half an hour to deliver a two minute sentence
Salmond is making the party even more of a laughing stock than it already is
Which constituency is he standing in? To be fair to George Kerevan he brings a lot of experience, economic expertise, and commitment to Scottish independence. He has an understanding of policy and supports progressive values. All of this makes him a strong candidate for the Alba Party.
DeleteHe was East Lothian last time but that is obviously Kenny now. George was a good MP for the few years he had down there. He makes the case for independence a lot better and much more often than most of his former colleagues now. Bought and sold for London pocket money, far too many of them. Devo SNP.
DeleteEverything is a catastrophe.
DeleteDid the reader also complain that the Greens were standing a candidate in that seat too?
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope the gender-critical/honest to god environmentalist wing of the Greens split and take them on directly for their vote. They would honestly be by natural home again in politics. The greens when the way of the SNP long ago.
DeleteThe Greens are keen to differentiate themselves from SNP and Alba. They do not consider themselves to share the same politics.
DeleteGreen voters would I think feel let down if they were not given the option to vote for their party.
DeleteAnd Alba voters deserve that right as Scots as well.
DeleteAnon 6.01: Given the FPTP system used in Westminster elections, it's essential to adopt a tactical approach to maximize pro-independence representation in the UK Parliament. James Kelly has suggested that the Alba Party should consider running in fewer constituencies. This strategy would prevent vote splitting with the SNP, thereby increasing the likelihood of pro-independence candidates securing more seats overall. This approach is not about minimizing Alba's role but about prioritizing the broader goal of independence. By concentrating on constituencies where they have the strongest support, the Alba Party can make a significant impact while allowing the SNP to consolidate their vote elsewhere. This cooperative strategy can bolster pro-independence representation in Westminster, moving Scotland closer to achieving the SNP's and Alba's shared goal of independence.
DeletePro independence representation at WM has achieved bugger all. THAT’s the problem.
DeleteBugger all but grossly bigger belt lines for the chosen few.
Here’s what the SNP Scotgov is up to, unchanged under Swinney:
ReplyDeletehttps://robinmcalpine.org/the-care-bil-must-be-stopped-at-all-costs/
Corporate vandalism at our expense. Bought and sold, the lot of them.
Swinney has been FM less than 1 week. Robin McAlpine -well who cares what he thinks-at any time
DeleteRead it. Common Weal wants the words “not for profit” inserted into the new law. Swinney does not.
DeleteRobin McAlpine has no electoral mandate.
DeleteI would trust John Swinney rather than Robin McAlpine.
DeleteI would trust the founder of a left wing pro-Independence think-tank that spends it’s entire existence refining and creating policies for both pre & post Indy Scotland via data driven research.
DeleteRobin McAlpine & common weal are head and shoulders above anything the SNP has come out with in last 10 years.
Robin McAlpine is a student coffee shop politician, the type that's never had a job but he talks and talks socialism cause he read it in a book once
DeleteHead and shoulders? So little dandruff
DeleteHe’s not a politician.
DeleteNor a good commentator
DeleteExperts on things you haven’t read, eh? You’d make fine SNP MPs spinning in the wind over the simplest questions on the Cass Report.
DeleteSorry, no science here, we’re progressive.
The Alaba Party are hardly worth commenting on. But for political nerds, the only serious campaign they ran involved asking people to vote for the SNP. Which was hillarious. They just looked rediculous.
ReplyDeleteBack on your pills, Dr. Jim. Your telltale Balaba-mouth is showing again. Best luck to you and get well soon.
DeleteI don't think that one was Dr Jim. He might have trouble constructing sentences but he can usually at least spell basic words.
DeleteHe does find the word Alba very triggering for his nervous condition, though. In cases like these, it’s a sliding diagnostic scale.
DeleteVoting patterns in Scotland aren’t hard to fathom.
ReplyDeleteThere are No parties, three that matter and one fringe one, with No voters across the three increasingly willing to vote tactically to beat the leading Yes party, ie the SNP, but to a lesser degree of the leading No candidate is an actual Tory.
Then there are Yes parties and candidates . Under FPTP only one has a serious chance of winning seats beyond, say, the sitting Independent in the Western Isles, who is Yes. The other Yes parties will vote split Yes just as the No vote continues to split.
The difference between Yes and No parties is that the No parties are steadily coalescing their vote behind their best chance of winning in any given seat (which varies), whereas we are doing the opposite.
Yes votes become less efficient.
No votes become more efficient.
Not rocket science.
I won’t opine on the Western Isles since it’s not known well to me & has its own dynamics - otherwise it’s simple, Vote SNP.
Brian
Western Isles also vote SNP.
DeleteVote MacNeil.
DeleteWhat age are you? Just ask in?
DeleteIn the Western Isles best vote SNP as MacNeil is no longer in the SNP.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteOut of curiosity how do you explain in the past that support for the SNP used to be higher than support for independence?
DeleteThe suggests people who didn't necessarily support independence would still vote SNP because they believed that they were a better option than the other parties... why did that change?
Support for independence has pretty much remained steady whereas support for the SNP has been dropping like a stone. Just saying that we all need to hold our noses and vote SNP isn't enough anymore. There's never been any self reflection to question why they've lost so much support & there hasn't been any pushes for radical change.
We need to stop living in denial that everything is fine and that the SNP is on course to win the General Election as that couldn't be further from the truth. If the SNP lose a lot of MPs it won't be the media's fault, it won't be MI5's fault & it won't be Alba's fault. It will be the SNP's fault, no one else's.
We should be pushing the SNP to do things differently not getting aggressive at those considering not voting for them or using the blackmail card that if the SNP loses independence is dead. People need to be inspired to vote and feel positive when they do.
Hear hear.
DeleteIndependence isn’t on the ballot. Hasn’t been since Salmond put it there in 2014. Voting SNP means condoning their actions, and returning a shamelessly comfortable parliamentary group back into the heart of the London rule they have completely failed to protect us from all these years since.
Let them inspire us. Let them earn the favour of our vote. Let them stand up and bloody do something for once! Knees groaning and green bench creaking as they muster up the effort.
Sturgeon was the one who committed to going for it in 2014 not Salmond, no matter what he says now, he prevaricated and panicked that Cameron had bounced him into it.
DeleteHi Scott. Sorry for late reply, just saw your question. Yes, you are correct, No voters used to vote SNP. Over time there has been a sorting of Yes voters to Yes parties and No voters to No parties. The constitutional divide didn't override other voting considerations. Scottish politics has become more polarised, and also more shouty.
DeleteBrian
Agree with those comments pointing out need to vote SNP.
ReplyDeleteExactly! What other skills do the poor souls have if their fat arses are turfed out of the Palace of Westminster? Please think of their wellbeing!
DeleteMe and Megan Marple are thinking about their wellness. We are both members of the transnational wellness community.
DeleteOne day, there will be so many, many SNP Lords. All it takes is Blackford to break the taboo.
DeleteOink oink.
Alex Salmond isn't stupid, he just hopes everybody else is
ReplyDeleteTrue. He knows his target audience who will knee-jerk whenever incited by weasel words he knows they want to hear. Agent of distraction and passionate self-promotion disguised with victimhood sympathy performance who feels everyone owes him. Wants a badge, wants to be within 'the establishment', nice wee men's club in London slurping and waxing lyrical into old age. Head turned by the atmosphere of all things Westminster, Scotland too small for such a performer. Perfect for the House of Lords.
DeleteWants the history record to stop at 'What Alex Salmond almost did for Scotland in 2014'.
DeleteProblem for Alba is maybe that AS needed it as a therapeutic tonic, available supplicants to pep him into shape to undertake his drive off in any direction he chooses which appears to involve leaving a debris field of now not so useful colleagues and the odd woman behind him - those who dropped their cloaks over puddles for him to walk on until he sought a refresh when boredom set in.
DeleteDUST ALERT
DeleteIf a swallow lands on my right shoulder I will vote for Petra Kennedy.
If a goldcrest lands on my left shoulder I will vote for Henry Mountsorrel.
If a wagtail lands on my head I will vote for Grace Piggott-Heath.
Which bird influences your vote?
SNP seats is the only thing the unionist regime and media care about. A drop in seats for SNP will be a loss for independence. They won't be worrying about counting votes for other parties for whatever reasons of principle. Those who don't vote will be counted as being happy with the status quo.
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%. Excellent post.
DeleteDid we win independence in 2015 on that all-important accept-no-substitute Brits-run-the-game yesmassa measure?
DeleteFunny, Scotland doesn't look independent now to me.
Sending a shed-load of MPs to the House of Commons in 2015 was the strongest signal that independence was not dead. It will remain so this year. Even if the MPs do absolutely nothing.
DeletePeople still vote Sinn Féin even when they don't take up their seats at all. They would not sit on their hands and let the seats fall to Unionists.
But was it, Lurker? The SNP certainly gave us nothing back at all. Independence must be taken, not just begged for. All their actions since then have had their tails wagging merrily with their snouts in the trough. The spectacle of the lot of them living it up in London looks like Dependence to me. The opposite of what we want and need and vote for.
DeleteI’ve more respect for Sinn Féin’s abstentionism, too. Northern Ireland will be free from London rule long before we will, at this rate of cosy collaboration.
Please name a stronger signal from independence supporters?
DeleteA Westminster politician's job is to work in London. People like Alex Salmond did it for many years, and his party, and others, continue to aim to send politicians there. I just don't see that 'London spectacle' being an argument if you support parliamentary democracy.
Northern Ireland is still under the thumb of the opinion of the Secretary of State. His or her decision on a referendum will be based on, among other things, public opinion expressed at the ballot box. Nationalists there never stopped voting Sinn Féin because they were 'collaborating' in the local British pretendy parliament. They vote for a nationalist party and don't hand seats to the unionists, or give the Secretary of State any reason to doubt the depth of support of the nationalist side.
Winnie Ewing said it best: they are there to settle up, not settle in.
DeleteEverything they’ve done since 2015, however, has been the cosy, collaborative, rah-rah, cringing opposite. Our SNP group down there is as much a shame on Scotland as Labour’s were before them.
As for a stronger signal we can give? That’s the key to the SNP’s stranglehold on us. They are cynical, self-serving careerist politicians with no interest at all in progress. They’re like Democrats in the US, who rally votes from the poor and persecuted yet choose to act against their voter’s interests. In politics: you force the choice. The SNP demands their way or the highway. Well, take a hike, the lot of you. Let your inaction have consequences after all.
6.48: those comments about SNP MPs are wide of the mark.
DeleteYou may bemoan that there is not a stronger signal of support available but that is where we are. Marches and petitions are fine but there is nothing quite like a British election to send a signal to the British state.
DeleteYou talk of 'inaction' but if you'd rather sit back and watch 50 Labour MPs were returned to Westminster, fine, but if you think that is the best route to independence that sounds like a much longer game than anything most independence supporters and electable politicians would care to stomach. It could literally set back independence by a generation.
Very impressed by SNP in last few weeks.
ReplyDeleteBringing Greens and Alba into line and turning a new leaf with a great new leader.
The Westminster elections look better now for SNP.
Whisper it just now but at some point in the future Nicola Sturgeon may be back.
DeleteYaaaaay! Mummy!
DeleteIMHO, the last thing we need is NS back. It was under her that the governance rot set in. Why doesn't she toddle off to the UN or somewhere? Or set up the Nicola Sturgeon Governance Institute, like Tony set up his? As long as she takes her show on the road a long way away from Scotland, perhaps she could start off in New Caledonia, nicely situated in the Pacific Ocean?
DeleteTo answer an anon's question above, I am in my 50s.
Brian
Brian: NS may come back when the dust settles on the issues surrounding her husband. Remember that there is a precedent as a previous leader has in the past come back after a spell away and she is still young.
DeleteMaybe she can get a nice hair do and come back as a Tina Turner tribute act? So heart warming of Tina to write that song in dedication to me; indeed, I am simply the best, so lovey of her to say so.
DeleteBrian
Brian: NS sold out the Hydro and has positive approval ratings among the Scottish electorate.
DeleteAnon 11.56: I think NS will need a couple of years in order for her husband to clear his name so its more a longer term idea I would say. Depends who is the best person for the job at the time. Not an issue for the present time or for the foreseeable future since John Swinney is a good leader who shares NS's strategic approach and values.
Delete"Brian: NS sold out the Hydro and has positive approval ratings among the Scottish electorate."
DeleteCommunity note: Nicola Sturgeon consistently has negative ratings. The last poll at the end of April had her on -18, lower than Anas Sarwar and Alex Cole-Hamilton.
I think she has good ratings from SNP supporters.
DeleteBecause she drove many of us away from the party in the end, like me. We take our highly negative views of her away with us.
DeleteRishi probably has good ratings among Tories. Hell, even Liz Truss!
Anon @11:02
DeleteWhat about the ongoing trials regarding the Alex Salmond case?
When will the “dust settle” with those? Particularly curious what happens to her when the truth comes out.
Nicola was a corrupt h***.
DeleteSomeone above says re Nicola Sturgeon: "Because she drove many of us away from the party in the end, like me. We take our highly negative views of her away with us".
DeleteInteresting look back: did she drive you away all by herself or was there practically an industry of influential 'what's in it for me' narrators beavering away day and night with several handy bulldozers to bring you through your decision-making process?
Look I am not saying NS has to return at all or when the timescale would be just saying its an option.
DeleteShe was the main factor in driving me away from the SNP and for remaining opposed to it as it is full of her adherents and shows no sign of doing anything about independence.
Delete@4:45
DeleteI first clocked something was wrong when she never, ever showed up on an AUOB march with the movement. Why not? What was wrong with us?
Then she merrily marched with Remainers down in London. What!? Lots of us are Remainers, too, me included. But England’s none of her business. What was she doing down there instead of here with everyone who worked for her and elected her?
Obviously, I didn’t like what she did during the persecution by prosecution of Alex Salmond either. What was the bad blood between them? Why was she being so extreme?
Finally, the self-sabotage she took on the “Supreme Court” case for our right to a vote on our own future, that’s when she crossed the line and I knew she was an enemy of independence. What was that about? Why shoot us in the foot? You aren’t who you’re meant to be are you Nicola?
Her actions. Not just chitchat. Actions. History. Her betrayal of our nation.
5.47: those comments about NS are wide of the mark.
DeleteHow so? Care to walk us through the details?
DeleteWhy did she turn her back on the Yes movement?
Why did she walk with Alasdair Campbell in London for Remain?
Why did she choose a terrible counsel for the Supreme Court case?
Why did she promise a Plebiscite Election as the only workable alternative when they were duly beat?
And why on earth did she then resign without delivering on it?
Why did she anoint Humza as her successor, and why did he drop the promise as fast as he could sack Kate Forbes?
There is a clear pattern of behaviour here.
Why did she sit on her hands while all those majority Yes polls whooshed by in 2020?
DeleteWhy could we have a Holyrood election in the pandemic but not a referendum?
Why was the vision for an independent Scotland left to wither as a series of increasingly irrelevant PDFs that no one bothered to read?
Who else is responsible for leaving us Yessers in this miserable state?
What a bunch of saddo’s . The Nicola fixation is creepy.
DeleteIndependence was very, very achievable in that golden sequence of opportunities:
Delete1. Brexit
2. Boris
3. Trump
4. Pandemic
Without a live campaign at all, we had the majority in 2020 by sheer fortune of all that luck.
But what did the SNP do about it? What action did they take?
How are we still stuck here in this laughably broken UK? It’s no mystery, is it? It took a master stroke of misleading. Our downfall as a movement wasn’t mere incompetence: it was her project.
Anon @ 7:19pm
DeleteI agree. And i think you’re only describing some of her many many failures. She is a narcissist.
I watched this a year ago & once again recently. I think Robin sums up her main failures & why she resigned very well.
https://youtu.be/2b-QkzDTCOM?feature=shared
Anon at 7.36. Some imagination. Write a book. I’d buy it.
Deletescrolling thru these comments reminded me of this old TV show from the 60s.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tDP1TfIKrNIMmD0EinJSFXITUzPTFYoyi_NS0lMyi8tAQCjVwrc&q=the+magic+roundabout&oq=the+magic&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgDEC4Y1AIYsQMYgAQyBggAEEUYOTIKCAEQLhixAxiABDINCAIQLhjUAhixAxiABDINCAMQLhjUAhixAxiABDINCAQQLhjUAhixAxiABDINCAUQLhjUAhixAxiABDIKCAYQLhixAxiABDIGCAcQRRg90gEIODMzN2owajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:ef59c016,vid:c3DcChXNyYQ,st:0
Who is Dougal and who is Zebedee? I always loved Zebedee.
DeleteBeats me how you can so obviously see what Alba is deliberately doing to harm the independence vote yet continue to refuse to call it out.
ReplyDeleteJames is an elected office holder in Alba. His concerns with the direction of the party (which I myself don’t share) are as clear as can be, given that constraint.
DeleteThere ain’t half a load of shite posted on this website recently if anyone believes that any member of the SNP does not believe in independence then they are in my opinion so very wrong. You may differing opinions on how we get independence but the SNP are far more informed than some commenting on this blog. From speaking to fellow SNP members both ALBA and the Greens it would seem have lost their support in all future elections. It was a huge mistake to get rid of the FM and the by ALBA to use their vote in no confidence motion. You will reap what you sow. The SNP is stronger and very bullish. The unionists have pulled off a master stroke and will regret their recent actions at Hollyrood. Bring it on the GE and let’s see what the voters say. I predict a big SNP vote and majority.
ReplyDeleteA lot of shite, you say? Then engage with the points. There’s plenty of them all listed out for you to debunk as you wish. If you can. But you can’t, can you?
Deletehttps://scotgoespop.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-plea-to-alba-look-before-you-leap.html?showComment=1716137255709#c6815222907140585810
Believe what you like. Blind faith is your individual right. But what you don’t have is a right to your own alternative reality.
None of them believe in independence and you're a fool for believing otherwise after ten years of avoidance. Yes, let's bring on the election and you'll find out just how many people have given up on them.
DeleteWell, it's certainly an optimistic view you hold. I'm also surprised to see such deference to our betters and more informed persons in the SNP especially as it's the 21st century - yet I'd heard they were ill informed with regard to their accounts and membership numbers
DeleteIf any of you have a credible plan for securing Indy let’s have it. Alba do not have a credible plan. And come the G E they will have no MPs and come the next Holyrood election they will have no MSPs, even in the list vote. Headed up by the most unpopular politician in Scotland. Yeah sounds positive.
DeleteOnly Scotgov can announce and act upon a viable plan.
DeleteSo where the bloody hell is it!?
Instead of demanding plans from others, why not tell us your plan. Keep voting SNP ad infinitum then doing sweet Fanny Adams about anything? Ask for another s30 knowing it will be rejected? Trying to declare UDI on a minority of the popular vote? Face facts - Independence is dead and it wasn't your bête noire Alex Salmond who killed it but Lady Hee Haw herself, the Blessed Nicola.
DeleteThe insults to the membership of the largest party in Scotland is predictable as it is boring. Any 2nd class MP who defected to ALBA can at anytime resign and hold an by- election. They might even win with the support of labour, Tory, Lib Dem and other britnat voters. I am not surprised that they have not done so, just the same. Cowardly behaviour. I might add that over the past 2 weeks the tide has move to a more secure and confident SNP thanks to the action of the same parties at Holyrood. Unintended consequences.
ReplyDeleteBring it on.
Bring it on indeed. All this waiting is just wasting time. Out with the troughers!
DeleteAye, the good Irish folk are clammering tae get back into the UK. Danes want tae join Germany and ditch their independence. ..
ReplyDeleteThe pathetic politicking of Alba is an embarrassment, accusing the SNP of not wanting independence because the UK government has refused to allow a referendum on the subject
ReplyDeleteAlba members should remember that Alex Salmond only got a referendum because the UK government knew they would win
When Nicola Sturgeon came to power they very quickly knew they would lose another Scottish referendum that's why we haven't had
one and Alex Salmond knows it
Alba can squeal and shout all day long but as a political party Scotland is never going to elect anything led by Alex Salmond, he is even more toxic a politician than Sunak and Starmer
If Alba really want to progress as a real political party and not the Salmond gang for revenge on Sturgeon they must get themselves a new leader, preferably somebody that can get elected to something instead of just thieving SNP votes and jumping ship
People don't like that
I strongly agree that Alba's politicking is embarrassing.
DeleteAlex Salmond's leadership is toxic, and Alba's accusations against the SNP are baseless.
The UK government allowed the referendum knowing they would win, and as you say they feared losing under the consummate politician Nicola Sturgeon.
Agree that Alba needs a new, electable leader to gain credibility and progress.
Who though? Tasmina? Kenny? McEleny!?
DeleteNah, Alba won’t see any more success than the ISP. If they were viable, we would have somewhere to go, but we don’t.
I agree with myself
DeleteStop blaming Alba for everything. The SNP is the author of its own misfortune for its glacial approach to independence under Sturgeon et al. Alba could get no votes at all and it won't save the SNP from its inevitable defeat - too many independence supporters have been pissed off by their moribund presence in Westminster and Holyrood.
DeleteThis.
DeleteA lot of people had already left the SNP before Alba came along. Alba didn't create the divide in the Yes movement, if anything it gave those former SNP members and supporters a reason to remain politically engaged. I certainly would have given up by now as I have no faith in the SNP and I probably wouldn't have voted in the last Scottish Parliament election if it wasn't for Alba.
These critical comments are off-beam. The SNP are working hard and the only credible party political vehicle for independence.
DeleteI wonder if we'll ever get to the point where the SNP hold their hands up and admit their part in the divisions in the Yes movement and offer an olive branch to the wider movement to bring us all back together.
DeleteThe common response seems to be aggression of "How dare you stop supporting the SNP, don't you know they're the only viable vehicle to independence!" rather than taking a step back, asking why so many have left the Party and what steps can be taken to reunite us. We need to stop pretending that it's all someone else's fault: The media, MI5, Alba etc and take some responsibility.
No politician can make people change their minds if they support something and not another
DeleteAlba are just pathetic in their continuing attacks on the wrong government engineered by Salmond's fake nonsense
He can no more make independence happen than anybody else, it's up to the people to make it happen not some leaden has been revenge driven wee man that nobody will vote for running around trying to steal votes and politicians from other parties to bolster his own ego
The whole Empire is positively agitating to come back to King Charles and his parliament. We can’t hold the Americans back much longer!
ReplyDelete/s
Yeh, committed to independence so I’m no voting. There that’s done it. See I telt yees. C’mon Scotia! 90 min patriots. I’m afraid independence is a hard road. Abstentionists, makes it harder.
ReplyDeleteI mean what's the point if nothings being done about independence and you don't expect anything to be done for the foreseeable future?
DeleteWhile I personally would not use that exact terminology, Yes, what is it with people and the endless desire to split, fracture and attack their own side.
ReplyDeleteShouldn't we be asking why there's been splits and fractures in the Yes movement and what can be done to bring us all back together? We can't blame Alba for it as people were leaving the SNP and criticising them before Alba/ISP were even a thing.
ReplyDeleteIt was planned though wasn’t it. It didn’t happen organically. It was in the shadows being constructed prior to the big announcement in Feb 21and 2 MP’s abandoning the snp supporters who elected them a month later. So it wisnae us it was them doesn’t hold water.over 3 years on and they can’t get 2% of a vote isn’t going to cut it with most independence supporters. They will stick with the SNP now Regan played the cards all wrong.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the polls it seems a lot of independence supporters are going to stay at home.
DeleteAgree with 2:24
ReplyDeleteThere’s a reason Yessers feel this way.
There’s a reason why the marches are down to a trickle of folk.
There’s a reason independence feels further away than ever since 2014.
And it’s not the mighty commenters on Indy blogs! It’s much higher up.