Dear Independence Supporters,

Our campaign is built on hope, optimism, and a belief in the power of our people.

The truth is, our movement has been divided for far too long by petty differences and personal agendas. We cannot afford to let these differences tear us apart any longer.

We must come together as one united force for Scotland, because the challenges facing our country are too great for us to face them divided.

My intention is to establish an Independence Convention on day 1 of my leadership.

I will unite our movement and ready our country for independence.

We will make the case for Independence by reconvening and emboldening the council of economic advisors, amongst other bodies bringing the best minds in Scotland and outwith, to help ready Scotland for Independence.

We must move on from the Growth Commission, as too much has changed.

For me, Independence is an immediate priority for Scotland.

The referendum mechanism has been exhausted, including the ‘so-called’ de facto referendum proposal.

Under my leadership the SNP policy will be to explicitly declare on line one of our party manifesto in any election going forward, that should we (in conjunction or not with other parties) achieve a majority of seats and votes cast, then collectively we will ‘begin independence negotiations’ on day 1 of the new Parliament.

This is the ‘Voter Empowerment Mechanism’, and it is designed to let the people of Scotland decide when they are ready.

I will hand Independence back to the people, where it belongs.

Let us come together, let us build a better future for our country, and let us do it with hope, optimism, and a belief in the power of our people.

Thank you. 

~ Ash Regan, Candidate for SNP Leader.