SNP row over debate block

SNP leaders could face a backlash after it emerged members will be refused the chance to debate an independence blueprint at the party conference.

A senior Nationalist councillor has branded the decision ‘astonishing’.

A 354-page Growth Commission report into how an independent Scotland’s economy and finances would work was published in May – but not debated or voted on at the SNP conference in June.

This led many supporters to believe it would be a centrepiece of the October event.

However, a draft agenda has revealed that there will be no discussion of it in Glasgow after two motions which had been submitted on the subject were rejected by the organisers.

The report was published by former Nationalist MSP Andrew Wilson in May and has proved controversial.

Many on the Left of the party have rejected the plan, which would prioritise reducing the deficit amid warnings this would leave Scotland facing years of austerity.

Councillor Chris McEleny, who was one of the candidates to be Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy, said: ‘I must say I find it absolutely astonishing that with 32 motions making a “long list” for the SNP conference, not a single one on the Growth Commission or currency have made the cut.

‘How can we not be debating the biggest contribution to the independence case since 2014?’

He said he knew of at least two motions submitted for debate on the topics.

Former SNP minister Alex Neil said: ‘There should be a debate, an open and honest debate that lets people air their views on what is a very important report. This will enhance our reputation with the public.’

Several ‘national assemblies’ are to take place around Scotland to allow members of the SNP to discuss the blueprint – but there is no proposal for a wider conference discussion.

A party spokesman said: ‘The conclusions will form the basis of policy resolutions to be presented to national council in December or our spring conference in 2019.’