Former MSP Brodie in bid for ‘ real Indy’
Scotland’s newest political party launches in Ayr, promising to fight for real independence
Scotland’s newest political party has been launched from Ayr – promising to fight for “real independence”.
Former SNP MSP, Chic Brodie, is to spearhead ‘ Scotia Future’.
The veteran politician, 76, has joined forces with Independent Renfrewshire councillor, Andy Doig, to form the movement.
The ex- Nationalists say the party will bid to create a “Scotland of Equals” and labelled both the Westminster and Holyrood systems as “broken”.
Scotia Future intends to fight both constituency and list seats in the next Scottish elections.
The Post understands Mr Brodie is considering a run at the Ayr seat, currently held by Tory John Scott, in May’s vote.
He has been out of frontline politics since losing his South of Scotland list seat in 2016.
Mr Brodie told the Post this week: “We are delighted to launch Scotia Future, a party that will move Scotland forward to real independence outwith the EU, as it has never been clearer that, devolution has had its day.
“Westminster and Holyrood are broken, but the only choice for Scotland is not a binary one between a dwindling voice in the UK and so- called independence in the EU.”
And he added: “We have better options.
“Scotia Future believes in real independence.
“For example, it is unwise to seek to trade Scottish sovereignty away to the pro austerity and centralised EU before we have even gained independence.
“We favour a bespoke deal for Scotland with the EU similar to that of Switzerland, which is vital to safeguard Scotland’s sovereignty on the economy and defence.”
Cllr Doig added: “We do not just want to change flags but to change society.
“Centralisation is extremely damaging to communities and we believe that decisions that can be taken at local level should be.
“But to safeguard this restoration of real local democracy we seek to enshrine the principle of subsidiarity to give power back to communities.”
And he concluded this week: “With the independence we seek all parts of Scotland will have their voice heard, urban and rural.”