What is Socialists for Independence?
SFI is a dynamic and constructive new voice within the broad Yes movement. We are affiliated to no political party, and we will work with all those who support Scotland’s right to decide its own destiny and shape its own future.
Our founders range from veterans of the anti-Poll Tax movement that brought down Margaret Thatcher to a new generation of younger activists fighting to protect our natural world against rampant corporate capitalism.
Why is it necessary to create another pro-independence organisation?
We believe that a pro-independence organisation that speaks the language of working class socialism can inspire and mobilise support for independence among the poor, the young, the low paid and the marginalised. Without these forces on board, we will struggle to deliver a resounding majority for independence.
SFI is a dynamic and constructive new voice within the broad Yes movement.
Is socialism more important than independence, or vice versa?
Our support for independence is unconditional. The politics of an independent Scotland will be decided democratically by the people of that new nation state. Since the British electoral franchise was first widened almost 200 years ago, the Tory Party has won just five general elections in Scotland – and 30 times in England.
The Scottish Parliament we have today lacks the powers needed to radically transform society. It has no control over employment laws, corporation taxes, VAT, National Insurance, energy policy, defence, international relations, the monarchy, the House of Lords, overseas trade, immigration, citizenship, the financial system, pensions or social security. Without full independence, even the most progressive Scottish Government lacks the power to truly transform the lives of millions.
What is SFI’s long-term vision?
We want a clean, green nuclear-free independent Scotland that protects nature; ends extraction of fossil fuels; narrows the income and wealth gap between rich and poor; takes into public ownership and democratic control our energy, transport and banking networks; restores trade union rights; expands communal ownership of our land; regulates and taxes multinational corporations and other large companies operating in Scotland; breaks its links with feudal institutions such as the monarchy and the House of Lords; reduces its defence spending to the minimal level necessary to deal with emergencies; opens our borders to new migrants; guarantees all our people a basic living income; and builds strong alliances with progressive forces internationally.
We cannot impose these policies, but by playing a major part in the ongoing struggle to achieve national independence, we believe that SFI will be well-placed to influence the direction of a future independent Scotland.
Is SFI a rival to the SNP and the Greens?
No. Our enemy is the Anglo-centric, isolationist, millionaire government in Westminster, dripping with privilege and drooling with contempt for the natives of North Britannia. And those other politicians who collude with the notion that Scotland’s future should be decided by an old Etonian in London who has ventured across the border half a dozen times in his 57 years.
We will, however, work cooperatively with other pro-independence forces, including members of the SNP and Greens and with other genuine democrats across the UK and further afield who recognise the right of nations, including Scotland, to self-determination.
We believe that a pro-independence organisation that speaks the language of working class socialism can inspire and mobilise support for independence among the poor, the young, the low paid and the marginalised.
Can anyone join SFI?
Yes. Members of all political parties and none are welcome to join SFI, if you broadly agree with our aims and accept the conditions of membership.
Labour activists, who disagree with their party leadership’s obsessive infatuation with the United Kingdom, are more than welcome.