SNP facing backlash on 'indy lite'

Published on Saturday 14 May 2011 21:17

THE backlash against the SNP's plans for a watered-down form of Scottish independence has begun, with activists criticising Alex Salmond's party for failing to fight for a complete break from the rest of the UK.

The first signs of discontent came as it emerged that the SNP is pursuing an "independence-lite" constitutional settlement that could see Scotland sharing defence, social security and foreign policy with England.

A prominent SNP supporter told Scotland on Sunday that independence-lite was a "silly fudge" that showed a "failure of ambition" at a time when the SNP was perfectly placed to push for full independence.

The concept was also criticised by constitutional experts, who said the diluted approach raised questions over whether the Nationalist leadership actually wanted an independent Scotland.

Last week, it emerged that the SNP is moving towards a more moderate form of independence that would retain links with the rest of the UK.

The move to a more gradualist vision has been seen as a pragmatic move made in the knowledge that the SNP would struggle to win an referendum on outright separation.

Even though the shift in policy has been embraced by the arch SNP fundamentalist and former deputy leader Jim Sillars, there are those who believe the party has sold out on its principles.

Pat Kane, the musician and commentator who has campaigned for independence for the last 20 years, declared independence-lite a "silly fudge".

One of the high-profile figures to endorse the SNP during the recent election campaign that led to the SNP's domination of the Scottish Parliament, he said: "I think this (independence-lite] is an example of the Scottish cringe.

"Some people in the party seem to be suggesting there is a conceptual limit about nation statehood that we cannot cross. I really don't accept that. It is a failure of ambition at exactly the point that we need to move to a new level."

Other members of the SNP's fundamentalist wing, which still believes in outright separation, are also critical of the independence-lite direction. One SNP councillor said: "We will do this (settle for a compromise] and the party will buy into it but it all seems very nebulous".

Another SNP politician added: "MSPs will probably sign up for it, but in their heart of hearts they will think, that's not why they came into politics."

The new model of independence was also criticised by a leading constitutional expert, Professor Robert Hazell, director of UCL's Constitution Unit, who said: "My main comment is on the potential fuzziness. Defence, macroeconomic policy and foreign affairs are key features of statehood.Does the SNP want Scotland to be independent or not?"

The SNP's landslide victory now means that an independence referendum is inevitable in the second half of the five-year parliament.

Last night, a ComRes poll put support for independence at 38 per cent of Scots, a rise on previous surveys which have consistently suggested that less than one-third support outright separation, a position that has triggered the SNP's re-think on the constitution.

The party is moving towards a model of independence that could see portfolios such as foreign affairs, defence, security and benefits payments shared with the rest of the UK, with Scotland having control over taxation, economic policy and oil revenues.

Senior figures in the party now believe an approach that does not cut all ties with England stands more chance of success in a referendum.

Discussions within the SNP about having a defence agreement with England are so advanced that senior figures are saying Scotland must retain the final say on whether troops based north of the border are sent to war.

One senior SNP source said: "The point about being independent is that you are in a position of being able to make decisions."

The internal arguments about the form of independence the SNP wants are coming to a head at a time when the pro-independence lobby is gearing up for its "yes" campaign.

Later this month, the Scottish Independence Convention – a cross-party group united by its belief in independence – will hold a meeting in the Scottish Parliament to kick the campaign off.