HOW we would defend an independent Scotland was one of the questions many people felt was not sufficiently addressed ahead of the 2014 referendum, but now a group of former service personnel is aiming to make sure that mistake is not repeated. Veterans for Scottish Independence have organised an online conference called In Defence of Scotland next month to ensure the questions surrounding defence in a post-indy Scotland are answered. Its organisers see it as the main focus for a co-ordinated campaign to encourage more veterans to vote for indy and to encourage open discussion and debate about the role of the armed services in an indy Scotland.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers? We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions. What should we do with our second vote in 2021? What happens if Westminster says no to indyref2? Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversation, register under fake names, and post vile abuse. We’ve had hundreds of emails from you complaining about this, asking us to take steps to ensure that these people aren’t given a platform on our site.
Session two: An introduction to the Sustainable Growth Commission (Panel Session). Session three: Raising the potential & performance of the Scottish Economy. Session four: The Fiscal Framework. Session five: Currency Monetary Framework. There will be the chance to network with others, and facilitated breakout sessions to speak to other attendees. We don’t quite understand how the Campfire Sessions with speakers will work but we’re assured they will be entertaining and informative – and no actual fires. Independence Live will also provide access to resources and further learning for those who wish them. The group told The National: “This major virtual event will, for the first time, bring together a wide range of voices to discuss the full implications of an independent Scotland adopting the approach outlined in the Sustainable Growth Commission report.
IT is being billed as “a new documentary about Scotland and Brexit and what the hell happens next” – Beyond Brexit will premiere tonight in a special online event. The 50-minute film examines the consequences for Scotland of withdrawing from the European Union, when it has such massive implications for our entire nation in terms of our rights, democracy and our place in the world. Beyond Brexit will explore how we got to where we are now, the rise of English nationalism and the implications of Brexit for immigration, Scotland and the other UK nations.
You can get tickets and view the trailer at: hopin.com/events/beyond-brexit