Hope. A message not many a political party can evoke these days.
The SNP conference, held on the 27th and 28th of April in the sunny capital Edinburgh was certainly a different political party conference. Perhaps the only Conference where party delegates cheered at the prospect of delivering 2.7 million leaflets through doors, by hand.
The conference was approached with some anticipation and nerves, as Nicola Sturgeon, party leader and First Minister had announced during the week prior that there was to be an Independence Referendum before 2021 in light of the result of Brexit. As Labour and Conservatives struggle with membership, the SNP conference was full with 3000+ delegates attending over the weekend. Also, as the main political parties talk about controls on immigration, the SNP has fringe meetings and motions on protecting the rights of EU citizens living in Scotland.
The biggie, of course, was the speech by Nicola Sturgeon, Party Leader and current First Minister. From the success of the Baby Box scheme to the Best Start Grant increase. On the week that Greta Thunberg told UK government ministers, they weren’t doing enough to combat the damaging effects of climate change, Nicola Sturgeon was the first world leader to declare a ‘climate emergency’. Also in her speech, the First Minister addressed the issue of youngsters struggling to get themselves onto the property ladder. The Scottish Government will now help those struggling to get a mortgage, if a person can afford 5% of their deposit, the Scottish Government will provide the rest required up to £50000. Then the focus shifted, to independence. To cheers and a standing ovation, Nicola Sturgeon said economic planning would be ‘the biggest in the party’s history’.
The First Minister then spent at least 30 minutes shaking hands, giving hugs and taking selfies- a sight that has yet to be duplicated by Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn.
If you’re a supporter of the SNP and Scottish Independence, then you can join GCU SNP Students:
Facebook- GCU SNP STUDENTS
Twitter- @gcusnp
And on the Students Association Website as an official member.
Feature Photo Credit- Jonothan Splink
