The Direct Democracy Toolbox is Empty - here’s how to fill it

By enacting ICCPR into Scots Law

Published in the 10th September edition of the Edinburgh Evening News.

In his SNP conference speech, First Minister John Swinney mentioned “Independence” twelve times, including:

“My promise to you is that I will make sure independence is understood as the route to a stronger and fairer country.”

“Understood, not as nice to have - but as urgent and essential here and now. That is how we will make independence happen.”

“I have complete faith in the people of Scotland to take the right decisions about their future. If we give them the tools, they can build whatever country they want.”

He referred to “Democracy” three times, complaining that “Westminster parties denied and continue to deny Scottish democracy” and that he has “total faith in Scottish democracy.”

Not once did he refer to the Sovereignty of the Scottish People. But Keith Brown did:

“What higher power exists than Westminster? What stands supreme over the UK Supreme Court? The answer is simple: the people of Scotland, the sovereign people of Scotland.”

But when the First Minister unveiled his administration’s eight-point programme, there was nothing about independence, democracy or popular sovereignty. So, how does he intend to achieve Scotland’s liberation from the UK?

Here’s a suggestion. He should start by respecting the sovereignty of the Scottish People and, in his words, “give them the tools” they need to build the country they want. At the moment, the Scottish Direct Democracy toolbox is empty.

It needs to be filled with Political Rights, which include the right to launch referendums and initiatives. Without these rights, the People can’t exercise their sovereignty or hold government to account.

That’s why Respect Scottish Sovereignty was formed - to pressure the First Minister and MSPs to make these tools available to the Scottish People by enacting the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as strongly recommended by the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the UN Human Rights Committee. It can be done because the Scotland Act 1998 allows Holyrood to choose how to implement and protect international human rights obligations to which the UK is a party.

The First Minister said:

“taking decisions in Scotland for Scotland … is the key to unlocking a better future for the people who choose to live here.”

The key is Direct Democracy and if he’s serious, he’d enact ICCPR. 

I want to update you on the Open Letter to the First Minister:
Since last week, 163 people have added their signatures - you can see who has signed here. Our next step is to file a Petition with Holyrood to enact Article 25 of the ICCPR concerning political rights. We’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, if you haven’t already signed the Open Letter, you can do so at wecollect.scot and also check out the contents of the Direct Democracy toolbox.