FIRST Minister John Swinney is set to ask Holyrood to formally request the transfer of powers from the UK Government to Scotland to allow a referendum on independence to be held.
On Tuesday, MSPs will vote on the motion that requests that the Parliament welcomes the “emphatic democratic mandate for bold and ambitious reform backed by the people of Scotland at the Scottish General Election.”
It continues with a call on the UK Government to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence.
The Scottish Greens have said that it would be a democratic outrage for unionist parties to ignore the largest-ever pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament and block Scotland’s path to a better future.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has called for Parliament to “unite behind Scotland’s right to decide” ahead of the vote while Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay has said it would be a democratic outrage for unionist parties to ignore the largest-ever pro-independence majority.
Mackay said: "The case for independence will be won when people can clearly see how it can improve everyday life for them and their communities. That means using every power currently available to Holyrood to tackle poverty, lower bills, strengthen public services and take meaningful action on the climate crisis.
“The Scottish Greens have shown that even with limited powers, we can make a real difference. Greens secured free bus travel for young people, pushed for rent protections during the cost of living crisis and helped deliver measures that put more money back into people’s pockets when families needed support most. Imagine what could be achieved with the full powers of an independent country.”
She added: “There is a clear pro-independence majority in Scotland’s Parliament, elected democratically by the people of Scotland. Unionist parties should respect that mandate and stop blocking Scotland’s right to choose our own future. The people of Scotland should have the power to decide when and how we have our say on independence.”
Scots have been urged to rally outside Holyrood on the day of the vote to "show the world that we still care".
Rally group Time For Scotland are encouraging people to make their presence known on May 26 from 6pm until 7:30pm
A Time For Scotland spokesperson said: “A vote and a debate about Scotland’s right to choose its own future must be important for everyone who supports independence.
"Whether this feels like the beginning of a carefully orchestrated push for another referendum – if the cameras are there and they will be, we must be there too."
"So Time For Scotland, which has organised previous rallies outside the parliament and the small but effective gathering just two weeks ago on election day, is calling on everyone to be at the Parliament at6 pm on Tuesday 26.
"It’s only one and a half hours while all the main news bulletins are broadcasting probably live from outside the building and we must show the world that we still care".
Pipers, and singers will be performing, with independence campaigners from across the country called on to attend.
The group said: "The demonstration is timed to celebrate the Scottish Government’s major parliamentary debate and subsequent vote on a motion concerning Scotland's right to self-determination. With the vote expected to pass, campaigners aim to provide a powerful visual showcase of public support for a referendum on Scotland’s independence."
