Q&A SESSION FOR CONSTITUENTS ON SCOTLAND’S FUTURE
Mr Russell is a Scottish politician who served as Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs from 2020 to 2021. He served as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning from 2009 to 2014 and Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations from 2018 to 2020. A member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Russell has been President of the SNP since November 2020. He was the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Argyll and Bute from 2011 to 2021, having previously served as a regional MSP for South Scotland from 1999 to 2003 and 2007 to 2011.
Ms Harper has said that, since May last year, the Scottish Parliament has had a clear majority of Members who are in favour of independence and committed to giving the people of Scotland that choice in a referendum. The Scottish Government is determined that the choice people make on independence will be an informed one. Independence in itself does not guarantee success for any country. However, the South Scotland MSP has said that, for Scotland, the aspiration of a wealthier, fairer and more successful country will depend on democratic decisions made post-independence and the good stewardship of governments elected.
Ms Harper stresses that the point is this: in an independent Scotland, crucial decision-making power will rest with the people who live here – not with Westminster governments that do not command the support of people in Scotland, and which pursue policies, for example, Brexit, that are deeply damaging to Scotland’s interests.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“I’m pleased to be hosting the first in a series of events I am organising to help engage with my constituents on Scotland’s Future. This event will be with the President of the Scottish National Party, Michael Russell, and will take place at The Bridge in Dumfries.
“Since May last year, the Scottish Parliament has had a clear majority of Members who are in favour of independence and committed to giving the people of Scotland that choice in a referendum. Indeed, recent events in Westminster – like Liz Truss stating she would simply ignore the First Minister of Scotland and Rishi Sunak failing to produce any policy to help tackle the cost of living crisis – have made it even more important that people engage in respectful debate about how Scotland can progress to a fairer and more prosperous future.
“Regardless of people’s views on independence, I’d encourage people to come along and listen to the presentation and ask any questions they may have. Constituents can register for the event on Eventbrite, or by contacting my office.”
Link to event:
Eventbrite – Edit Q&A with Scottish National Party President Michael Russell
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/qa-with-scottish-national-party-president-michael-russell-tickets-394351254217?aff=ebdssbdestsearch <www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/qa-with-scottish-national-party-president-michael-russell-tickets-394351254217?aff=ebdssbdestsearch>
