Patrick Harvie: Reflecting on the 2014 Independence Campaign
In a recent interview, Scottish Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie shared his reflections on the 2014 independence referendum campaign. Harvie believes that the real issue was not the public’s readiness to say Yes, but rather the nature of the campaign itself. He criticized the SNP’s approach, stating that it was more of a media campaign than a grassroots movement.
Challenges with the SNP’s Campaign
Harvie expressed his concerns about the way the campaign was structured by then-First Minister Alex Salmond. He felt that Salmond’s decision to set up Yes Scotland as a separate entity and invite other parties to join rather than building a shared campaign from the ground up hindered the movement’s effectiveness. The Scottish Greens initially withdrew from the campaign due to these concerns but later rejoined, participating in both the media and grassroots efforts.
The Impact of the Independence Referendum on the Scottish Greens
The independence referendum was a turning point for the Scottish Green Party, leading to a significant increase in membership and visibility. Harvie noted the transformational effect of the referendum on the party, with membership numbers rising substantially. Despite the party’s pro-independence stance potentially alienating some voters, Harvie emphasized the importance of building support from the ground up for the independence movement.
Overall, Harvie remains committed to advocating for a pro-independence majority in the next election while also emphasizing the need to work across party lines on issues of fairness, equality, wealth redistribution, and climate action.