As Brexit day arrived, the First Minister invited some of us from the Young Scots for Independence movement to an announcement. Rumours were rife with some suggesting a date for an independence referendum may actually be announced. Scotland being forcibly removed from our partners in the European Union, recent denial from Westminster to allow the Scottish Government to hold an independence referendum and the sudden surge of activity from the new YES Scotland website, were all indicators towards a monumental announcement. Those in attendance who allowed their imagination to run wild, myself included, were somewhat disappointed by the output on the day.

Nicola’s statement was still not without importance, even if for many the speech did not fulfil our wildest expectations. For those within the Yes movement who have been advocating consistently for independence since 2012, they may feel angst in the lack of radical challenge some may feel the Scottish Government exhibits. But after Nicola’s address, I believe I understand more clearly the vision of the political wing of the independence movement. Radical challenges are welcome, but irresponsible actions only seek to harm the movement. 

This includes a potentially illegal referendum, a universal declaration of independence or the argument that Scotland has voted for a majority independence-supporting delegation to Westminster therefore we have a mandate to self declare as an independent nation. These options, although still present on the table for some in the movement, should not be our go-to next steps until our hand is forced.

I heard emotion from Nicola’s voice, passion from a young Glasgow Southside activist still as hopeful as her early days within the independence movement. ‘Before independence was even a dot on the horizon’, it was activists like Nicola and many other giants within our movement that have pushed forward against odds many of us haven’t been set up against in our lifetimes.

Although we are closer than ever to independence, with many polls showing the sway of opinion towards our movement, we cannot be complacent and we cannot be reactive. We are here for the long-term success of independence and we should not make decisions based off short-term potential wins. Scotland deserves better, our children and future generations deserve better.

Every potential avenue for progress is being explored, and every member of our great movement should stay motivated through the Brexit mess. Announcements on the day from the First Minister such as the option for the Scottish Government to explore a consultative referendum if Boris Johnson refuses to allow an independence referendum should be welcome as it is a step in the correct direction – even if it may only be a step. Further to this, although Nicola has made a commitment to holding a referendum in 2020, the faint hint that the vote may not take place until after the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections were made. This is not a monumental step back, simply a bump in the road and a chance for us all to engage longer with our neighbours on the benefits of independence. 

I have full faith within my friends, family and colleagues in the independence movement that when our time arrives to put the question to our nation we will finally achieve our goal but until then it’s our duty to maintain the momentum that is on our side and grow our movement stronger until that day arrives.

This article was originally published in the Scots Independent (March 2020)