The event, entitled Scotland’s Future: England’s Future, the implications of a second independence referendum for English democracy, will take place on Monday 7th November at Broadway House, Tothill Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NQ. Doors open from 6pm, or online from 6.45pm.
Scottish independence could trigger much-needed reform of an increasingly undemocratic Westminster and lead to the electoral and constitutional change that voters are increasingly calling for, not only in Scotland but in England and the other constituent parts of the UK, Yes London says.
By enabling Scotland to re-join the EU, independence could also help to repair the economic and political damage caused by the Conservative Party’s hard Brexit and over time, lead to renewed EU membership for the rest of the UK, or at least single-market and customs-union membership.
A Yes London spokesperson said: “Whilst we want political change, we value the relationships with friends and family across all these islands of north-west Europe. A new relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK will renew our common bonds and could lead to positive change for all of us.”
Scotland’s Future: England’s Future, the implications of a second independence referendum for English democracy will feature a range of voices from across England and Scotland, sharing their views on a second independence referendum, democratic reform at Westminster, the need for English self-determination, the impact of Brexit and the future of relations between the UK’s constituent nations.
The panel of speakers will include:
- Alyn Smith MP and former MEP, and the SNP spokesperson on foreign affairs;
- Gavin Esler, journalist, TV presenter and author, formerly of BBC’s Newsnight;
- Jemma Forte, broadcast journalist, writer and presenter;
- Professor AC Grayling, philosopher and author, and founder of the New College of the Humanities.
Yes London believes democratic accountability and Scotland’s right to choose lie at the heart of the case for Scottish independence. Scotland has not voted for a Conservative government in nearly 70 years but has still had to face the negative consequences of Tory policies such as hard Brexit, economic austerity and increasing restrictions and pressure on voting, the right to protest, the judiciary and the media.
Whilst devolution has been a success for Scotland as well as for London and other parts of the UK, there are increasing signs that the Tories are seeking to dilute and undermine the democratically elected devolved bodies, including bypassing them altogether.
The spokesperson added: “Radical reform at Westminster is therefore urgently needed, not the soft changes being considered by others. We believe Scotland’s independence would act as a catalyst for a truly reformed Westminster.
“As Londoners, we recognise Scottish independence will materially change the make-up of the UK which will present an opportunity for renewal of democracy in England.
“Through the Common Travel Area, people will continue to move freely between Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Scotland’s eventual return to the EU also hopefully will moderate the excesses of the Conservatives’ hard Brexit and over time, lead the rest of the UK back to the EU or to a more closely aligned relationship.”
For more information and to book click here or visit www.tinyurl.com/SFEF1
Yes Scotland is a movement made up of political parties, groups, organisations, charities and individuals.
Yes London is part of the wider Yes Scotland pro-independence movement, which campaigns for an independent Scotland. Its objectives include promoting the democratic case for independence following the significant change in circumstances that Brexit has created and to continue championing positive and collaborative relationships between Scotland and the rest of the UK. You can find more here: www.yes.scot and www.Twitter.com/YesScotLondon