Independence not defeated but deferred

Scottish Socialist Party media release

The Scottish Socialist Party is naturally disappointed by last night’s result. It is setback for the forces of social democracy and socialism in this country.

But our disappointment this morning is tempered by an immense pride in the 1.6 million Scots who voted Yes and the thousands of new political campaigners who energise this country, stimulated it politically in a way it has never seen before and withstood the hysterical propaganda of a panicked UK establishment over the last ten days particularly.

Scottish independence is not defeated today, it is deferred.

Support for independence reached 45% yesterday and that is unprecedented. I do not see that receding.

As democratic socialists, the SSP fully respects the decision reached by the people of Scotland but, as they say in Italy, ‘La lotta continua’, the struggle for an independent socialist Scotland continues.

The independence tide is not halted today, rather it has shifted irrevocably.

No prevailed because a slim majority of elderly Scots, vested interests and the well-to-do were frightened of change. The No campaign won with an unrelenting battery of negativity and pessimism.

Scotland is not remotely the same place as it was yesterday. It is changed utterly by this result.

Many Scots opted for a Yes message of prosperity, fairness and democracy and rejected the status quo keen to take our rightful place as a full and equal member of the family of nations. I am sure they will continue to champion our social democratic and socialist values in seeking prosperity for all, equality, greater democracy and an end to exploitation and warmongering.

The British ruling class and their political mouthpieces threw everything at us and 1.6 million stood tall. I am proud of that bravery and I pay tribute too to all the SSP’s partners in Yes Scotland for what we have achieved together.

The No side won and yet they also promised a more prosperous, fairer and more democratic nation. They must now show how that inclusive, progressive and more democratic new country can be built via their preferred route.