Carol Nugent
I am writing this column and reflecting on the fact that it is now a little over four years since I became a member of the SNP.
Prior to this, I had no real interest in politics, and I was quite happy plodding along with my day to day life.
The independence referendum in September 2014 changed everything for me. I became engaged in politics to the extent that it changed my career. I voted Yes and it will come as no surprise to readers that I am still Yes.
The SNP held a day of action in September and activists across the country took to the streets to engage with voters.
The feedback from campaigning locally was overwhelming positive, and residents were happy to engage and to share their concerns regarding the disastrous Brexit process.
Since joining the SNP I have been involved in two general elections, the Scottish Parliament elections and of course the council elections. Like many others I didn’t foresee Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States and I certainly didn’t think that Scotland would be getting dragged out of the European Union (EU) in that time.
The whole Brexit process has been a shambles by the UK Government and the fact that the Conservatives have recently appointed David Rutley MP to oversee the protection of food supplies through the Brexit process will do little to appease people’s fears.
The last time a post of this nature was held was during World War Two. The ramifications on leaving the EU are significant and will impact on all of our daily lives.
The UK Government are determined to drag Scotland out of the EU and the Single Market against our will, despite the damage that will be done to jobs and household incomes in Scotland. The Tories have no mandate in Scotland and the Scottish Parliament should be treated with the respect it deserves.
By refusing to engage with the Scottish Parliament this confirms that none of the powers of our parliament are truly safe.
I recently attended the SNP’s annual conference, which saw 3000 delegates from across the country come together at the SEC.
Since the referendum, the party membership has more than quadrupled from 25,652 to become the second-largest political party in the UK in terms of membership.
This indicates that people want change and that the case for an independent Scotland grows stronger by the day.
The message from the conference was centred on ‘Hope’ and I am immensely proud to be part of this political party.
If anyone from Spittal, Blairbeth, Fernhill, Cathkin, Springhall, or Burnside is looking for assistance then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I can be reached on 07388955042, or by email at carol.nugent@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk.