White papers to continue
As a party we will use every electoral opportunity to advance the cause. The next such opportunity will be the forthcoming UK General Election. The SNP will go into that election on a manifesto which will say on page one, line one: “Vote SNP for Scotland to become an independent country.”
Between now and then there is a crucial job for the SNP: to show the people of Scotland that winning independence is not separate from their top concerns. It is through choice about their future, this will include the publication of upcoming papers in the Building a New Scotland series.”
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the removal of “wellbeing economy” from the ministerial portfolio following John Swinney’s appointment as First Minister.
The Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland voiced concern about wellbeing economy being absent from any ministerial portfolio.
It said: “We are disappointed and concerned to see that the wellbeing economy name has been dropped from the new cabinet portfolio. We sincerely hope that changing the name does not imply a change in the independence that we can build a stronger economy, higher living standards and a better NHS.
We have achieved so much together: a Scottish Parliament and an independence referendum, both of which looked a long way off to me when I joined the SNP.
They were accomplished by always keeping our eye on the prize, building support, keeping up the pressure, and trusting in democratic power. That’s how we are going to win our country’s independence.
Government’s commitment to building a wellbeing economy in Scotland.” Their concerns were echoed by Gerard McCartney, professor of wellbeing economy at the University of Glasgow. He told us that prioritising economic growth above all else put commitments on tackling climate change and poverty at serious risk.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “When the new ministerial team was appointed this week, a decision was taken to simplify job titles across government.
“The principles of a wellbeing economy continue to be a priority for the Scottish Government, and will be taken forward by the new Economy Secretary.”