SNP Conference 2021 by HinksBrandwise

Conference

10 -13 September 2021

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Nicola Sturgeon and the newly elected MSP for Kelvin, Kaukab Stewart celebrate outside the counting centre in the Emirates Arena. Ms Stewart spoke of her pride at becoming the first Muslim woman to win a seat in the Scottish Parliament. The SNP secured a historic and extraordinary fourth consecutive victory in May’s elections. The Party finished on 64 seats - one short of a majority but one more than it won in 2016. Photo: Getty Images.

Welcome

Agenda

Exhibitors

Fringe Programme

Standing Orders

Essential Information

Contacts

Contents

DISCLAIMER: The Scottish National Party has provided assistance in arranging exhibitions and fringe meetings by various organisations at Conference. This assistance does not necessarily imply any support of that organisation. Fringe listings and selection of speakers are wholly a matter for the sponsors and organisers of fringe meetings, and as such the content of the listings and the meetings may not reflect the views of the SNP. Likewise, the SNP does not endorse the products advertised in this guide or recommend any of the services advertised.

Promoted by Peter Murrell on behalf of the Scottish National Party, both at 3 Jackson’s Entry, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ.

climate change education

The climate crisis is the most significant threat confronting humanity. Teachers have a key role in teaching young people about the scale and urgency of the climate crisis, and the measures needed to address it. The EIS is committed to the sustainable development of our planet, supports action against climate change, and favours a green agenda for Scotland.

www.eis.org.uk/climatechange

Welcome

Nicola Sturgeon Leader

Welcome to SNP Conference. Conference meets for the first time since we won a historic and extraordinary fourth consecutive victory in the Scottish Parliament elections. This weekend is our opportunity to showcase our plans for a better future for Scotland. The year ahead will be crucial. Our ambition must be bold. We must lead Scotland out of the greatest health crisis in a century. And our objective is to transform our nation and the lives of those who live here.

At this juncture in Scotland’s history, it is essential that we consider the kind of country we want to be, and how best to secure it. Choices will soon need to be made that will shape our economy and society for decades to come. Which Parliament - Westminster or Holyrood should make these choices? And what principles will they be guided by? These are questions which cannot be avoided, nor postponed until the die is already cast.

Already we’ve implemented a pay rise for NHS staff, abolished dental charges for everyone under 26, published our NHS recovery plan, and set up a new Green Jobs Workforce Academy.

So we intend to offer the choice. And crucially, we will ensure that the choice - when it comes - is a fully informed one. That’s why earlier this week I confirmed that the Scottish Government has restarted work on the detailed prospectus that will guide the decision to be made by all who live here.

Next we’ll deliver on our plans for a National Care Service, double the Scottish Child Payment, and invest in affordable, energy efficient homes and green travel.

We will present the case for an independent Scotland openly, frankly and with confidence. A better Scotland - as part of a better world - is waiting to be built.

Your government will ensure that businesses have the support, and people with the skills, to succeed in the low carbon economy of the future.

This weekend, let’s look forward with confidence and ambition to a brighter future. Let’s get on with building that fairer nation.

We will show global leadership in tackling the climate crisis. And we will offer people an informed choice on Scotland’s future. Our democratic mandate to allow people to decide the country’s future is beyond question.

Making Scotland a global leader in floating offshore wind Find out more at: akeroffshorewind.com

Agenda

Friday 10 September Session 1 14h00 Welcome - Keith Brown MSP, Depute Leader, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans 14h10 Report of the Conferences Committee 14h15 Resolutions 15h45 Michael Russell, Party President, Political Director of SNP Independence Unit 16h00 Close

1. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS COMMISSION Conference notes that the aim of the Social Justice and Fairness Commission was to deliver a route map to the real prize of independence - a fairer Scotland that values and cares for everyone who lives here, from baby box to ripe old age – a society in which everyone can fully participate, with opportunities to flourish. Conference welcomes the conclusion of the Commission that the route map to a fairer Scotland is not a predetermined list of policy decisions, but rather about changing how we govern ourselves, agreeing the values we collectively view as our compass, and focusing on policies that prioritise the creation of a wellbeing society - a model for inclusive decisionmaking that truly empowers the people of Scotland to shape our own future. Conference believes that independence will empower the people of Scotland, but in order to build a better society, with compassion and wellbeing at its heart, we need our Scottish Parliament to use those powers differently, grasp the opportunity for democratic renewal and reset the relationship between government at every level and the people it is there to serve – a renewed social contact that delivers for the people of Scotland, based on human rights, equality and wellbeing. Conference recognises that with independence, we can build on the progressive policies of the Scottish Government, but unconstrained by a constitutional ceiling on our ability to affect transformative change, we can really think afresh about the kind of policies we could pursue, and how we make those decisions. Conference therefore welcomes the route map set out in the Social Justice and Fairness Commission’s report, which contains three key elements: (i) Democratic renewal and a new social contract– changing how we make decisions and recognising that in order to achieve transformational change we need policies built on consensus, and with – not just for – the people. (ii) Decision-making and policies rooted in human rights and equality, enshrined in a written constitution.

(iii) Prioritising wellbeing through transformative policies that put the wellbeing of people first, including: proposals to eradicate poverty, through fair distribution of wealth and land, a secure living income, fair work and provision of universal services like social care; the rebalancing of work and life to create a wellbeing society; investment in creating wealth through social good like the care economy, green economy and social housing, as part of a wellbeing economy; building sustainable homes and communities, that contribute to efforts to combat climate change; and proposals for an inclusive, progressive immigration system. Conference enthusiastically supports the recommendations of the report and adopts a good faith effort to implement them as party policy, recognising that we can still make progress under the limited powers of devolution with innovation and determination, but that Scotland needs the full powers of independence to make the required transformational changes. NEIL GRAY MSP AIRDRIE AND SHOTTS, AIRDRIE AND SHOTTS BRANCH, MOTHERWELL AND WISHAW BRANCH, SNP STUDENTS, BAME NETWORK, FULTON MACGREGOR MSP, KAUKAB STEWART MSP, BOB DORIS MSP, JAMES DORNAN MSP, AUDREY NICOLL MSP, KAREN ADAM MSP, SIOBHIAN BROWN MSP, DEIRDRE BROCK MSP, PAUL MCLENNAN MSP, ANUM QAISAR-JAVED MP, JAMIE SZYMKOWIAK NEC, ELENA WHITHAM MSP, ALASDAIR ALLAN MAP, COLLETTE STEVENSON MSP, MICHELLE THOMSON MSP PHILIPPA WHITFORD MP, CLLR GRAHAM CAMPBELL, STUART MCMILLAN MSP, STUART MCDONALD MP. EMMA RODDICK MSP, ALISON THEWLISS MP, LEITH BRANCH, OUT FOR INDEPENDENCE, FIONA ROBERTSON NATIONAL EQUALITIES CONVENER, WALLACE BRANCH, EMMA HARPER

2. UNIVERSAL CREDIT UPLIFT Conference welcomes the UK Government’s decision at the outset of the Coronavirus pandemic to uplift Universal Credit payments by £20 per week. However, Conference recognises that the pandemic has only highlighted pre-existing inadequacies in the UK’s social security system, which has contributed to the UK having some of the worst poverty and inequality levels in Europe. Conference notes the UK Government’s intention to remove the £20 a week uplift in the autumn of 2021 and believes that cutting £1040 a year from household incomes would inflict significant financial pain on some of the most vulnerable families in our communities. Conference therefore calls on the UK Government to scrap plans to cut Universal Credit payment, to further extend and backdate the £20 uplift to legacy benefits and, instead, focus on fixing a social security net which has been significantly weakened and cut by successive UK Governments. DAVID LINDEN MP, NEIL GRAY MSP CASTLE DOUGLAS AND GLENKENS BRANCH

Agenda

Friday 10 September 3. FAIR WORK AND WELLBEING AND A FOUR DAY WEEK Conference reaffirms Scotland’s Fair Work vision that we want Scotland to be the best place to live, work, invest and do business, and believe that fair work is the foundation for this. Conference further believes that Fair Work is central to achieving the Scottish Government’s priority for sustainable and inclusive growth and must be at the heart of employment practices, funding and procurements, Conference notes the work of the Fair Work Convention, strategic partnership with CIPD Scotland, and progress including Fair Work First guidance and tools for employers, and the implementation of Fair Work First in Scottish Public Procurement. Conference recognises that COVID19 has had huge immediate consequences for how many of us work, but it will also have a lasting impact. Conference further recognises that as we move into a period of recovery and renewal, we want to do more to support people achieve a healthy work-life balance. Conference agrees with the Social Justice and Fairness Commission report (May 2021) finding that “With a fair work agenda, and the increased productivity it creates, there is a strong argument for introducing greater provision for a four-day week”. Conference applauds the SNP manifesto commitment to establish a £10 million fund to allow companies to pilot and explore the benefits of a four day working week and use the learning from this to consider a more general shift to a four day working week, and creating a wellbeing economy. Conference notes the publication of ‘Going Public: Iceland’s journey to a shorter working week’ study which adds to this learning. Conference calls on the Scottish Government to learn from each other as fellow members of the Wellbeing Economy Governments (WEGo), of how working practices could and should be adapted to meet the needs of the future economy. GLASGOW PROVAN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, EMMA HARPER MSP

4. JOBS FOR ALL Conference welcomes the Scottish Government’s Youth Guarantee, protecting the next generation from the economic scars of Covid-19 and Westminster austerity. Conference believes that periods of unemployment can cause serious harm to an individual’s mental and physical health, leading to further strains on our National Health Service. Furthermore, unemployment has a disproportionate effect on women, ethnic minorities and young people. Conference proposes an independent Scotland should develop the Youth Guarantee into a universal programme, that offers employment as a human right and seeks to redefine

“work”. A universal Job Guarantee programme should empower local communities to allocate resources to meet their respective needs. We must be willing to create jobs for all abilities, most especially for those considered to be “unskilled”. This programme would offer new alternative routes to positive destinations and ensure no one is left unemployed as we move from a fossil fuel economy to a green economy. Conference also believes a universal Job Guarantee programme must never be used as a test on vulnerable groups, but as an offer of opportunities to those who seek them. Furthermore, these would only be public sector jobs that are community focused. Conference further believes the full powers of independence can better facilitate a universal Job Guarantee programme. An independent Scotland would have the fiscal and monetary tools to fully utilise our labour and resources. Conference proposes a localised test trial of a universal Job Guarantee programme and calls on the Scottish Government to work with Local Authorities to develop whatever enabling legislation may be necessary to run effective pilot programmes Conference therefore proposes the party’s policy development committee works through the National Assembly to develop a permanent Job Guarantee programme that can increase Scotland’s productivity and personal and social well-being. CITY OF STIRLING BRANCH, CHRIS HANLON POLICY DEVELOPMENT CONVENER, ANGUS NORTH AND MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, WEST FIFE AND COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH, THURSO AND DISTRICT BRANCH

AMENDMENT Paragraph 5: after “Conference further believes the full powers of independence can better facilitate a universal Job Guarantee programme” INSERT “as well as, and in full compatibility with, a Universal Basic Income.” Paragraph 5: after “An independent Scotland would have the fiscal and monetary tools to fully utilise our labour and resources” INSERT “for such purposes.” Paragraph 6: ADD at the end: “This includes education and training alongside employment as part of any universal citizen’s guarantee, following the success of the Edinburgh Guarantee for young people which provided the model used by the Scottish Government for the rollout of the recent young person’s guarantee. We also note that SNP Councillors in Edinburgh are delivering an expanded scheme to put in place support for all citizens, especially those facing additional barriers, to access employment, training or education throughout life and the policy should take cognisance of and support ongoing developments.” LEITH BRANCH

Agenda

Saturday 11 September Session 2 10h30 Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills 10h45 Resolutions 12h10 Topical and Emergency Resolutions 12h30 Close

5. SECURING A COP26 LEGACY Conference looks forward to welcoming world leaders, delegates and activists to Glasgow in November for the United Nations Climate Summit, COP26. Conference recognises that this is not only the most important global summit since the Paris agreement was signed, but that it is probably the most important international event in a generation, with the future safety and security of the planet, and particularly the world’s poorest peoples, resting on the outcomes of the negotiations, and agrees with the US Special Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, that “Glasgow is the world’s last best chance to avoid climate chaos.” Conference acknowledges that the SNP Glasgow City Government’s bold and ambitious climate policies and partnerships were instrumental in securing Glasgow as the host city for COP26. Conference believes that COP26 will not only be a pivotal moment for the planet, but that it can also be a pivotal moment and generational opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland, cementing their status under the SNP as city and national leaders in addressing the climate emergency, and delivering climate justice for those most affected by climate change, a green recovery from the Covid pandemic, and a just transition to a net zero economy and society. Recognising that COP26 must go beyond targets and pledges to becomes the ‘COP of action’, with the next decade critical to achieving the progress required to cut global emissions, Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to set out its plans to secure a tangible legacy for people and communities in Glasgow and across Scotland from hosting COP26, building on the clear and ambitious approach set out in its ‘Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero: climate change plan 2018–2032’. In particular: • Conference agrees that Scottish Ministers should reaffirm that net zero and a just, green recovery are ‘organising principles’ to be shared across the whole of government, national agencies and in partnerships with local government and others

• Conference agrees that, by the time COP26 takes place, progress should be accelerated on identifying and initiating key shovel- and investment-ready green infrastructure projects and nature-based solutions in Glasgow and across Scotland, which will deliver significant decarbonisation within the next decade in transport, heat and energy generation and consumption, and industrial and economic activity, alongside tackling existing challenges in health, social and economic inequalities within our communities

• Conference calls on the Scottish Government to work urgently with local government to provide assurance around the financing of the transition to net zero and identify additional local powers and capacity required to achieve it, acknowledging that many investments and interventions may be delivered more quickly and effectively at local level, but that the cost of this cannot be borne by local public services • Conference further calls on the Scottish Government and national agencies to work with and provide tailored support to the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to reach their targets of net zero carbon by 2030, in the understanding that our biggest population centres must lead the way in reducing emissions if Scotland as a whole is to reach its world-leading target of net zero by 2045 • Conference recognises that while the costs of delivering the transition to net zero at the pace and scale required will run into many billions of pounds, that investment can also deliver multiple benefits, including new jobs and tax revenues. Conference is concerned, however, that while Scotland does not have full powers over taxation and other fiscal and economic levers, there is a real risk that the benefits of investments made by the Scottish government and Scottish local authorities will not be fully realised by Scotland’s communities. Conference therefore urgently calls on the UK government to provide a framework that will ensure that immediate and longer term fiscal benefits generated by green investments made by the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations can be tracked and utilised by them CLLR SUSAN AITKEN, CLLR GREG HEPBURN GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL SNP GROUP

6. SCOTTISH NATIONAL ENERGY COMPANY In pursuit of the SNP pledge to decarbonise our society and conscious of our international responsibilities ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this November, Conference welcomes the accelerated decarbonisation of Scotland’s energy supply and usage which rests on near 100 percent delivery of clean electricity from onshore and offshore wind plus tidal, hydro and solar PV. Conference warns again that UK Energy Policy has held back our local and national Scottish targets. It has slashed support for local, clean energy production, such as run of river hydro, small wind and solar PV, and delayed large scale wind and tidal developments even though component costs are far below expected levels estimated five years ago. Secondly, this Conference condemns the producer surcharges designed for SE English needs which embeds a crucial price disadvantage, worst for northern Scotland where the best power sources are to be found. This penalises both development and consumption in our fragile Scottish islands and remote rural communities.

Agenda

Saturday 11 September Conference further notes the Brexit effect on Westminster energy policy boosting their obsession with new nuclear, be it large scale fission or proposed fusion trials which rely on old technology with legacies of intractable spent nuclear fuels. Conference calls for the creation of a Scottish National Energy Company to set the standard for Scottish clean power production that prioritises made in Scotland electricity and hydrogen equipment and a fair national charging system for production and consumption of renewable power sources. CROMARTY FIRTH BRANCH

AMENDMENT Last paragraph, add further sentence: “Specifically the National Energy Company, when established, should set as a priority the implementation of delivery of affordable energy to consumers of limited means who are most affected by high energy prices and prices must be equal across all of Scotland.” CASTLE DOUGLAS AND GLENKENS BRANCH

Session 3 14h00 Ian Blackford MP, Westminster Leader 14h15 Resolutions 15h15 Close

7. WALKING THE WALK ON CLIMATE CHANGE Conference believes that the report of the Climate Assembly paints a vision of the Scotland many of us wish to live in, and plots a credible course to transforming our economy and realising our ambition of a fairer, freer nation where nobody must endure poverty and deprivation, and we have not only stopped damaging our ecosystem but are actively beginning to heal it and are thriving economically as a result. Conferences notes that in the year Scotland hosts COP26, we have an opportunity - while the spotlight is on us - to set a standard that others will aspire to emulate and believes we must take concrete actions now if we are to stand a chance of limiting climate change. Conference therefore enthusiastically supports the recommendations of the report and adopts a good faith effort to implement them as party policy, recognising that we can still make progress under the limited powers of devolution with innovation and determination, but that Scotland needs the full powers of independence to make the required transformational changes. WEST FIFE AND COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH AND MEARNS BRANCH

8. A NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY Conference is alert to the fact that transport emits more carbon than any other sector (37 percent of all Scotland’s CO2) so decarbonisation is an urgent priority. Conference recognises that competing technologies for transport are developing but that it is almost certain that a high proportion of road and marine vehicles will be battery-electric or use hydrogen fuel cells, powered by renewable electricity and low-carbon hydrogen. Conference therefore recommends that to deliver on the Scottish Government’s transport pledges, a National Transport Company should be established. Its priority must be to ensure that a robust charging and hydrogen-refuelling infrastructure is in place for all types of the vehicles of the future. The timescale set out by the Scottish Government dictates that this work needs to be completed quickly and so must be paid for by the public purse to ensure a core service is in place nationally.

Agenda

Saturday 11 September Therefore, with Transport Scotland monitoring supply and demand, Conference expects the Scottish Government to establish a National Transport Company to: - Begin installing the core charging and refuelling infrastructure on the routes determined by Transport Scotland - Meet annual targets for the creation of such services - Own and operate this infrastructure for the public good. GREENOCK AND INVERCLYDE CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, CLACKMANNANSHIRE EAST BRANCH, THURSO AND DISTRICT BRANCH

9. SUSTAINABLE PERIOD PRODUCTS Conference commends the work done by the SNP government to fight against period poverty as well as their “Let’s call periods, periods” campaign and applauds the Scottish Government’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. Conference notes that single use, disposable, sanitary products can be disproportionately expensive and damaging to the environment, with around 35-47 percent of all menstrual products being flushed each year. Conference supports the introduction of a scheme – to work alongside the #TrialPeriod campaign from Zero Waste Scotland and the current free provision of sanitary products – to give people who such provisions are appropriate for, the opportunity to opt for reusable sanitary products. This would work to boost the work to eradicate period poverty while also being conscious of our impact on the environment. Conference acknowledges that reusable products are not appropriate in all situations and therefore further calls on the Scottish Government to investigate swapping the current free provisions of disposable products to biodegradable options, where possible, meaning that people who are unable or do not wish to swap to reusable products would also have a suitable option that reduces the environmental impact of their periods. YOUNG SCOTS FOR INDEPENDENCE, FIONA ROBERTSON NATIONAL EQUALITIES CONVENER, ALLOA BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH AND MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, THURSO AND DISTRICT BRANCH

Session 4 – INTERNAL 15h30 Internal Resolutions 16h15 Close

10. LOCAL GOVERNMENT SELECTION Conference recognises the requirement under the constitution to deliver equality of opportunity in the selection of candidates and to field a balanced list of candidates, aiming towards 50/50 gender-balanced representation and increasing the number of candidates drawn from under-represented groups. Conference notes that a specific equalities mechanism was authorised by conference for the 2017 local authority elections to address gender balance and to encourage equality of opportunity more generally during the selection process. Largely as a consequence of this mechanism, the proportion of female SNP councillors increased from 24.3 percent after the 2012 election to 39.2 percent after the 2017 election. Conference is aware that under equalities law, selection arrangements are only lawful if the purpose is to reduce inequality in the party’s current representation in the local authority concerned, meaning that in some authorities the Scotland-wide mechanism used in 2017 can no longer be applied to all protected characteristics. Conference therefore agrees that the use of specific mechanisms in any contest where the total number of candidates standing for selection exceeds the number of sitting councillors standing for selection should be delegated to each Council Campaign Committee acting with the National Executive Committee to meet equalities targets. KELLY PARRY, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONVENER; STACY BRADLEY, ORGANISATiON CONVENER

Agenda

Saturday 11 September 11. CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT OFFICERS IN BRANCHES AND CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS Conference resolves to amend the Branch Rules, And Constituency Association Rules, to include a Climate and Environment Officer: - Branch Rules 7.1 insert (i) Climate and Environment Officer - Amend Constituency Association Rules to include a Climate and Environment Officer: - Constituency Association Rules paragraph 7 insert “, Climate and Environment Officer” after “Women’s Officer” and before “and Organiser” The Role of the Climate and Environment Officer shall be: - To ensure members are well informed of climate Issues and options, policies and interventions to deal with them - To lead discussion on environmental concerns and help build winning approaches to climate justice and social justice - To work with any relevant Affiliate Group to support these aims GRANTOWN AND DISTRICT BRANCH, INVERNESS CITY BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH AND MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, THURSO AND DISTRICT BRANCH

Agenda

Sunday 12 September Session 5 10h30 Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy 10h45 Resolutions 12h10 Topical and Emergency Resolutions 12h30 Close

12. DRAFT REFERENDUM BILL Conference welcomes the draft Referendum Bill published before the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections and the commitment in our manifesto to passing that Bill and holding a referendum as soon as it is safe to hold a proper, detailed, serious national debate on independence. Conference notes that the Scottish Parliament election results in May 2021 demonstrate clear, majority support for a referendum on independence. Conference believes that people in Scotland should not have their health, wellbeing and future economic potential compromised by holding a referendum on independence before it is safe to do so, and that this decision should be determined by data driven criteria about the clear end to the public health crisis, which would allow a full, normal, and energetic referendum campaign. Conference expects that the Scottish Government will bring forward the draft Bill at the earliest such moment and looks forward to placing the decision about our National future in the hands of those who live and vote here. CHRIS HANLON POLICY DEVELOPMENT CONVENER, WEST FIFE AND COASTAL VILLAGE BRANCH, HAMILTON SOUTH BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH AND MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, THURSO AND DISTRICT BRANCH

13. REJECTIONS OF NATIONALITY AND BORDERS BILL Conference rejects the U.K. government’s Nationality and Borders Bill in its entirety; believes practices such as ‘offshoring’ human beings, holding them indefinitely in accommodation centres, treating refugees differently depending on how they arrive on these islands and criminalising refugees with jail sentences of up to four years simply for seeking refuge, to be immoral, inhumane and contrary to the 1951 Refugee Convention; conference commits an Independent Scotland to a humane, dignified, respectful asylum system. ANNE MCLAUGHLIN MP GLASGOW NORTH EAST, CLLR GRAHAM CAMPBELL

Agenda

Sunday 12 September 14. FREEPORTS IN SCOTLAND Conference is concerned that the Freeport proposals by the UK Government are a part of the agenda to undermine devolution. Conference also recognises that, historically, Freeports have been a haven for criminality, such as money laundering and people trafficking. They also allow those operating within them to erode workers’ pay and conditions. Conference further agrees that local government is under-resourced at present, and as such further burdening it with Freeport requirements cannot be sustained without significant investment. The only way a Freeport should be operated is with consideration for the entire community in which it is sited and is fair and just to all; and with correctly staffed controls by all relevant agencies –not just in the immediate vicinity, but across the wider geographical area. To that end: 1. All businesses operating within the zone must pay the Real Living Wage as a minimum, as well as abiding by Fair Work practices. 2. Trade Union Recognition must be mandatory. 3. Local Government must receive sufficient financial investment to carry out any required services to these zones. 4. All businesses operating within the Freeport zone must be operating to assist the Scottish Government in achieving its ambitious Net Zero targets. 5. Local Communities adversely affected by the operation of the Freeport must be fully compensated by those businesses operating within it. 6. All relevant controls by relevant agencies must be in place – i.e. Health and Safety, environmental controls, law enforcement, etc. Conference agrees therefore that without the six requirements set out above in their entirety, Freeports should not be established or permitted within Scotland. TRADE UNION GROUP, LIVINGSTON NORTH BRANCH, MEADOWS AND MORNINGSIDE BRANCH, GRANTOWN AND DISTRICT BRANCH, LEITH BRANCH, GREENOCK AND INVERCLYDE CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, BANFF AND MACDUFF BRANCH, EDINBURGH EASTERN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, STACY BRADLEY ORGANISATION CONVENER, THURSO AND DISTRICT BRANCH, GIRVAN AND SOUTH CARRICK, EMMA HARPER MSP

AMENDMENT Add the following at the end: “Conference also recognises the determination of the Scottish Government to introduce a GreenPorts alternative which are focussed on a Net Zero approach, creating sustainable economic development and maintaining fair and just working conditions; recommends that any GreenPort initiative sits within a revised and ambitious Maritime Strategy for Scotland targeted at attracting new investment in the maritime sector and to help internationalise our thinking on trade, exports and NetZero shipping opportunities” CITY OF DUNFERMLINE BRANCH

Agenda

Sunday 12 September Session 6 14h00 Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care 14h15 Resolutions 15h45 John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery 16h00 Close

15. REBUILDING SCOTLAND Conference notes that the SNP’s 2021 Manifesto proposed that a referendum should be held once the Covid crisis has passed but in good time to decide that we want to equip our Parliament with the powers it needs to drive our long-term recovery from Covid. Conference believes that recovery from Covid will require powers that are not available within the devolved powers of the Scottish Government and believes that independence is therefore essential to our recovery from the pandemic, and therefore recovery should be at the heart of our campaign for independence. Conference notes that the full powers of independence will enable Scotland to provide the requisite support for our economy and our vital public services to not only recover from the pandemic, but to flourish. Conference therefore supports the development of a campaign for independence that puts recovery at its heart. STONEHAVEN AND THE MEARNS BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH AND MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, BRECHIN BRANCH, FORFAR BRANCH

16. PENSIONABLE AGE Conference notes that currently UK pensions are among the lowest in Europe. In an independent Scotland conference would expect a future Scottish Government to have ambitious plans to improve this situation and in particular to ensure that all those living in Scotland, regardless of gender, should receive a pension at age 65 years or younger. LEWIS AND HARRIS BRANCH

17. SCOTTISH CITIZENSHIP FOR NEW SCOTS Conference believes Scotland should be as welcoming a nation as possible and value all of our people, including all those who chose to make Scotland their home. New Scots make invaluable contributions, and they are our fellow Scots, no matter where they were born. Conference rejects and condemns the hostile environment of the UK Home Office and xenophobic attitudes of the Tory Westminster government. Their policies have caused hardship and worry for many New Scots. Immigration and citizenship are not currently devolved, and despite Scotland welcoming New Scots, many have had to make the difficult decisions to leave their homes in Scotland. This is a loss to all of Scotland and felt deeply across our Nation. Conference recognises that UK Citizenship is not easily accessible even to people who have lived in the UK for decades. The horrendous treatment of the Windrush Generation is just one example for this. There are huge financial barriers, as well as the burden of proof, which is often unachievable due to the rules imposed by the UK Government, many of which were put in place as a requirement retrospectively. Conference further acknowledges that current UK paths to UK Citizenship are based on unjust requirements, such as exorbitant fees, unreasonable lengths of residency and inappropriate and irrelevant tests. These requirements include passing the so-called “Life in the UK Test”, which does not reflect a fair approach, with many of the required answers being disputed and often not known by UK Citizens themselves; as well as inappropriate application of ‘good character’ tests to children who have lived most of their lives here. Conference endorses and seeks to build upon the inclusive approach to citizenship outlined in “Scotland’s Future”, including the proposals that: • British citizens habitually resident in Scotland on independence will be considered Scottish citizens • Scottish born British citizens living outside of Scotland on independence will also be considered Scottish citizens • after independence children born in Scotland to at least one parent who has Scottish citizenship or indefinite leave to remain at the time of their birth will be automatically Scottish citizens, while others will be able to apply for Scottish citizenship, for example through a “demonstrable connection” • dual nationality will be recognised.

Agenda

Sunday 12 September Conference believes that in preparation for independence, and building on these proposals, a strategic framework for Scottish Citizenship should be developed, to be ready for implementation from day one of independence. The following points should be considered in formulating that framework: 1. Whether others should be included as eligible for Scottish citizenship, whether automatically or on application, keeping in mind the “inclusive approach” suggested in the white paper. 2. In particular, New Scots who came here as children and who have only really ever known Scotland as their home should be provided with straight forward routes to citizenship. 3. The rules by which Scottish citizenship can be transmitted by descent, including from those who are automatically considered Scottish at date of independence. 4. The criteria by which New Scots will be able to apply to naturalise as Scottish citizens after independence, based principally on residency criteria, including length of residency, but also family relationships such as spouse. Scottish Citizenship for New Scots shall not be based on passing a test similar to the current “Life in the UK Test. 5. The exclusion criteria that would apply such as for people convicted of serious criminal offences. 6. The general principle should be that All New Scots will be treated equally. Place of birth will not be a deciding factor and there will not be different tiers of Citizenship for people born in the EU, EEA or rest of the world. 7. Scottish Citizenship should not be based on financial criteria such as income levels or employment status. There should be no special routes to Citizenship based on a premium fee paid. 8. Citizenship should never be beyond a person because of cost, so any fees charged should reflect this principle, and fee waivers and exemptions applied in appropriate cases. CASTLE DOUGLAS AND GLENKENS BRANCH, STUART MCDONALD MP

18. TIMESCALE FOR REMOVING NUCLEAR WEAPONS FROM SCOTLAND Conference notes the endorsement of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) by all SNP Candidates in the 2021 Scottish Parliament Election as outlined in the ICAN Parliamentary Pledge. Consequently, and in line with the provisions of the TPNW, Conference calls upon a future SNP Government of an Independent Scotland to remove nuclear weapons from Scotland within three years. SOUTHSIDE CENTRAL BRANCH, GRANTOWN AND DISTRICT BRANCH, GLASGOW ANNIESLAND CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, GLASGOW MARYHILL AND SPRINGBURN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

AMENDMENT Delete “to remove nuclear weapons from Scotland within three years” and replace with “start the practical work to remove nuclear weapons from Scotland within three years” CASTLE DOUGLAS AND GLENKENS BRANCH

Agenda

Monday 13 September Session 7 10h30 Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government 10h45 Resolutions 11h30 Topical and Emergency Resolutions 11h50 Nicola Sturgeon MSP, SNP Leader and First Minister 12h30 Close

19. SNP COUNCILLORS LEADING THE WAY Conference recognises the essential role that Councils and Councillors are playing in delivering the SNP’s ambitious agenda for Scotland, from implementing transformational universal childcare and raising attainment in our schools, to building new social and affordable homes, tackling the climate emergency, and empowering our communities. Conference further acknowledges that local government has been on the frontline in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and applauds the contribution of Council staff across Scotland in delivering essential services during this difficult time, and in leading social and economic recovery. Conference understands the potential of strong local services to improve lives and communities across the country and believes that our party can best deliver for the people of Scotland when our representatives in all spheres of government work together as “Team SNP”. Conference therefore considers that the Scottish Government should continue to work proactively with local government in improving local services, collaborating in the development of new policy where Councils have a delivery role and ensuring that Councils are appropriately and fairly resourced to deliver. Conference further believes that as Scotland’s truly national party, the SNP should aspire to represent all of Scotland’s communities, with local representatives across the country reflecting the diversity of our nation. Conference recognises that local government can be a challenging environment for many underrepresented groups to enter into and operate within. Conference believes that diversity amongst elected representatives must also extend to Councillors and considers that the Scottish Government should work with all relevant stakeholders to investigate and bring forward measures to tackle issues which continue to be barriers, including but not limited to, pay, working conditions and personal safety.

Conference is certain that the forthcoming local government elections in May 2022 will represent a fantastic opportunity to elect more SNP councillors to help realise our party’s bold vision for a diverse and inclusive Scotland and resolves to stand a broad range of candidates who will reflect, champion and work to empower communities across the country. ASSOCIATION OF NATIONALIST COUNCILLORS, FIONA ROBERTSON NATIONAL EQUALITIES CONVENER, STACY BRADLEY ORGANISATION CONVENER. AMENDMENT Add the following paragraph before the last paragraph: Conference also recognises the dedication and hard work of local councillors who, acting as representatives of their communities, often stand up to those perpetuating antisocial behaviour. Unfortunately this often leads to councillors dealing with threats, harassment and even violence against them. Local councillors are the heartbeat of democracy within Scotland and deserve the same level of support parliamentarians would receive when they find themselves under attack simply for carrying out their democratic duty. PAISLEY TANNAHILL BRANCH

20. AFFORDABLE, GOOD QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE HOUSING FOR ALL Conference believes that the 2022 Council elections provides a significant opportunity to renew the SNP’s commitment to affordable, good quality and sustainable housing for all. Conference notes that a dysfunctional land market and huge imbalance in land ownership lie at the root of the housing issue, adversely affecting the cost and availability of land to develop for affordable housing. Conference reiterates the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on reducing access to affordable housing by driving up demand for housing in rural areas including second and holiday homes. Conference recognises the importance of intergenerational communities where people of all age groups feel supported, respected and valued in encouraging young people to remain in rural areas to work and raise their family. Conference welcomes the Scottish government’s recent commitment to increase by 20vpercent its grant funding to local authorities to enable them to deliver more affordable homes, to a total of £3.2 billion over five years.

Agenda

Monday 13 September Conference welcomes the recent additions to community right to buy legislation which came into force in 2020, including the right to buy land to further sustainable development. Conference welcomes the proposed Scottish Government legislation to license short term lets in order to manage the impact of the proliferation of such properties on affordable housing and rural communities. Conference notes the new Welsh Government three pronged plan to ensure that everyone in Wales can have access to good quality, affordable housing, with fairness at its heart. Conference notes that recent research shows that to reach “net zero” most Scottish homes and businesses will need to replace gas heating systems with a renewable source of heating if Scotland is to meet its climate change commitments. Conference therefore believes that all SNP election manifestos for the May 2022 Council elections should include commitments to: - enhance affordability within the private rented and housing market for local people, young families and first-time buyers including social rented, affordable rent and shared ownership accommodation as well as guaranteed low cost home ownership; - initiate or increase the purchase or buy back of properties by Councils, for affordable rental - use local and national taxation systems to ensure affordable housing is available in our rural communities, in particular to discourage second home and holiday home ownership. - ensure local planning development policy acknowledges the importance of sustainable self-build in the mix of affordable housing options, ensuring such development does not lose out to larger scale developer driven projects - use planning law to give people who are locally resident priority in the housing market, to minimise the possibilities for houses to be sold or built as second/holiday homes and to introduce a statutory registration scheme for holiday accommodation. - explore and support community land and asset transfer and community led homes; - introduce or increase non-repayable grants to encourage people to retrofit insulation and heating systems in homes in order to help meet Scotland’s aspiration to reach “net-zero”; - work if elected or re-elected, to deliver on these commitments including where relevant with COSLA and the Scottish Government. STRATHTAY AND DUNKELD BRANCH

21. LOCAL AUTHORITY FUNDING RING-FENCING Conference recognises that Local Government plays a vital role in the health, wellbeing and social care of Scotland. Conference recognises the adoption of the European Charter of Local Self-Government by the Scottish Government, which states that: “Local authorities shall be entitled, within national economic policy, to adequate financial resources of their own, of which they may dispose freely within the framework of their powers.” Conference recognises, in light of the European Charter, the importance of full and transparent funding for new government initiatives and that for these policies to be fully funded, this must be in addition to the core budget of Scottish Councils. Conference notes that a significant proportion of Council budgets are still ring-fenced to deliver national priorities of the Scottish Government. Conference calls on a renewed and focused commitment across all spheres of Government to implement the conclusions of the Christie Report for local government, which asks that conditions be created in which individuals and communities would be further involved in the design and delivery of local services and that public service providers should be required to work more closely in partnership with local government, with the aim of integrating service provision more fully. Conference further calls on the Scottish Government to provide local authorities with the ability to have local flexibilities, with regards both to raising revenue and within their spending commitments in delivering national priorities, allowing them to better respond to local needs, and taking a tailored approach to deliver better services for the people of Scotland. LEITH BRANCH

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Exhibitors

10-13 September 02

SNP Store The SNP Store is the official online store of the Scottish National Party. By purchasing from the SNP Store you are helping the SNP shape our nation’s future success.

SNP Headquarters Booth The SNP Headquarters booth is where you should go for all general information and enquiries. Headquarters staff will be available at the SNP Headquarters booth in the Exhibition area should you require any support at any time throughout your conference experience.

Website: www.snpstore.org Tel: 0333 323 8979

Website: www.snp.org Email: member.care@snp.org

Independence Independence Magazine Visit our booth in the Exhibition - Say hello or join up on the spot. We’re the Party’s own magazine and have raised thousands of pounds for the cause to date. One direct debit is all it takes to have INDEPENDENCE posted direct to your home every eight weeks. Join now! Twitter: @independencemag Email: indymag@saltiregraphics.scot

04 Drax Group Drax Group is a UK-based renewable energy company engaged in renewable power generation, the production of sustainable biomass and the sale of renewable electricity to businesses. Website: www.drax.com Twitter: @DraxGroup

06 Community Windpower Passionate supporters of the Scottish Government’s Net Zero carbon target, by operating and developing a portfolio of 1.5GW of wind and hydrogen projects in Scotland. Powering Scotland with clean, green energy since 2005; whilst committed to the Scottish supply chain, and planning to invest £2 billion in Scotland PLC by 2026.

The National The National is a 7 day newspaper that strives to accurately portray Scotland’s people and its culture. Established in 2014, it’s the only newspaper that supports an independent Scotland. Purchase it daily from your local newsagent or sign up to a print or digital subscription.

Website: www.communitywindpower.co.uk Email: info@communitywindpower.co.uk

08 Out for Independence Out for Independence is the official LGBTQ+ wing of the SNP. Campaigning for a fair, equal and independent Scotland. Visit the booth during conference to find out more. Website: https://www.facebook.com/ OutForIndy/ Email: out4indy@gmail.com

Young Scots for Independence Young Scots for Independence (YSI) is the youth wing of the SNP; for all members under the age of 30. The YSI leads the way in shaping ambitious and progressive policy making within the SNP and campaigns across Scotland. Website: theysi.scot/ Email: contact@ysi.scot

Exhibitors

10-13 September 09

10 SNP Students SNP Students is the student wing of the party. With societies in many of Scotland’s colleges and universities, we campaign for progressive student policies and promote SNP campaigns and values on campus.

BAME Members Network SNP members from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, working towards promoting diversity and increasing BAME participation in politics. Website: facebook.com/snpbame Twitter: @SNPBAME Email: snpbame@hotmail.com

Website: www.snpstudents.com/ Twitter: @SNPstudents Email: info@snpstudents.com

12 Disabled Members Group The SNP’s Disabled Members Group aims to improve the lives of all disabled people and secure independence for Scotland. Visit the booth during conference to find out more. Website: facebook.com/ SNPdisabledmembersgroup

Trade Union Group The SNP Trade Union Group is made up of SNP members who are also trade union members. We believe that the best way to achieve fundamental rights for Scottish Workers is to argue for those rights within an independent Scotland. Website: facebook.com/snptug/ Email: membership@snp-tug.scot

14 Association of Nationalist Councillors (ANC) Promoting the role of the ANC in representing SNP councillors, find out about upcoming Local Government 2022 elections and take the opportunity to ask the panel any questions about becoming an SNP councillor.

Scots Asians for Independence (SAFI) Scots Asians For independence aims to promote the interests of Scots Asians within the SNP and the Scots Asian community in Scotland. It has been at the forefront of every major election campaign since 1995 and is the driving force behind the Scots Asians support for the SNP.

Twitter: @SNP_ANC Email: snpcouncillors@gmail.com

Contact: membership@safisnp.org

16 Tech Help Tech Help Desk Our Digital Stewards are here to help if you require any technical assistance. They are all SNP members who have volunteered their time to help conference run smoothly, so please be patient while they assist you with any technical difficulties.

Media Zone Media Zone A dedicated space for all accredited media. Staffed by SNP press officers each day of conference this is your place for media briefings, press releases and enquiries.

If you are facing a technical issue that is not allowing you to access Hopin, please email: events@snp.org

TOWARDS NET ZERO: Accelerating Scotland’s Energy Transition Monday 13th September, 09:30 - 10:30 If we are to reach the Scottish Government’s 2045 net-zero target, we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. We all have a role to play if we are to achieve this. In the run up to COP26, join Holyrood and BP as we discuss the next steps in our net zero journey; the opportunities we have in relation to offshore wind capabilities; and how we can secure Scotland’s place as a world leader in renewable energy, as we have seen in the oil and gas industry. SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport

Fringe Programme

Fringe Meetings

Friday 10 September EARLY AFTERNOON

Friday 10 September

Friday 10 September 2021

12h45 - 13h45

A National Care Service: working for those with a terminal illness

Unlocking Scotland’s Global Leadership Potential in Offshore Wind

By 2040 over 62,000 people will be dying of a terminal illness, with two-thirds in the community in care homes and people’s own homes. Many people will be supported to be there by family carers, as well as by social care services, primary care services and community-based palliative care. The National Care Service will be key to ensuring these people get the care and support they need. We only get one chance to get people’s end of life care right. Join us in discussing how we ensure that Scotland continues to be a world leader in end of life care.

With COP26 in Glasgow on the horizon, this event will consider how industry and government can capitalise on Scotland’s vast natural resources to achieve net zero, create skilled, green jobs and build a strong Scottish supply chain.

Speakers: Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care. Gillian Martin MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Richard Meade, Head of Public Affairs, Marie Curie

Speakers: Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Alan Brown MP, Shadow SNP Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change Paul Cooley, Director of Capital Projects, SSE Renewables Tim Cornelius, CEO, Global Energy Group Chaired by: Claire Mack, CEO, Scottish Renewables

Fringe Meetings

Friday 10 September LATE AFTERNOON

Friday 10 September

16h30 - 17h30

Can Scotland deliver a just transition to net zero?

Building an inclusive economic recovery

Climate change presents systemic risks to the economy and financial markets and to our future prosperity. Shifting to a net zero economy has the potential to create new jobs and drive economic growth. However, the benefits may not be felt evenly with some employees and communities bearing the brunt of industrial change. This not only risks creating economic hardship for some but also undermining support for the shift to net zero The fringe meeting will explore how, as Scotland seeks to deliver its net zero ambitions, the shift to net zero can be achieved in a just way? What are they getting right and where is more attention required? And what role should investors such as pension funds play? Speakers: Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Alan Brown MP, Shadow SNP Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change

Join us to discuss what an inclusive economic recovery looks like for everyone in our communities. How do we ensure that everyone can participate in the economic recovery? What role does flexible, personalised higher education have to play in upskilling or reskilling workers for the future? How do we make lifelong learning a reality using the expertise of a range of stakeholders? Hear from the author of the Young Persons Guarantee on implementing his report’s recommendations. Speakers: Colin Beattie MSP, Deputy Convener of Economy and Fair Work Committee Sandy Begbie, CEO Scottish Financial Enterprise Marie Hendry, Depute Director, External Engagement and Partnerships, The Open University in Scotland Carla Belkevitz, Open University Graduate Chaired by: Prof Paul Gray, The Open University

Rachel McEwen, Just Transition Commission Scotland and Chief Sustainability Officer SSE Cllr John Gray, Vice-Chair, Local Authority Pension Fund Forum Chaired by: Professor Nick Robins, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change, LSE

Fringe Meetings

Friday 10 September LATE AFTERNOON

Friday 10 September

16h30 - 17h30

Barriers to the ballot box

COP-portunity: Scotland’s role in shaping global climate action

RNIB Scotland campaigns with blind and partially sighted people in Scotland to make the world a fairer place for people with sight loss. At the recent elections in May just under one in five (19 per cent) blind voters, and less than half of partially sighted voters (44 per cent) surveyed by RNIB, said they could vote independently and in secret under the current voting system. Join our fringe to find out about work to develop ways for voters with a visual impairment to vote privately and what local authorities, candidates and campaigners can do to ensure elections are accessible. Speakers: George Adam MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business Kirin Saeed, Convener of RNIB Scotland

Scotland has world leading climate targets, however emissions reductions targets have been missed for 3 years and more needs to be done ahead of COP26 to drive up ambition and ensure we are on track to meet targets. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland will set out how Scotland can use the opportunity COP26 brings to truly be a world leader on climate action and climate justice. Countries that did least to cause the crisis are suffering the most. Hear a first hand account from Malawi of the challenges and how Scotland can show solidarity and be a good global citizen Speakers: Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport

James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland

Mr Lloyd Austin, Policy Advisor, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland

Chaired by: Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment

Charles Nathan, Head of Planning at RSPB Scotland Ms Linga Mihowa, Oxfam Country Director, Malawi Dr Geraldine Hill, Advocacy Manager, SCIAF

Friday 10 September

16h30 - 17h30

Meet with the President

Meet with the National Women’s Convener

Our President, Michael Russell, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend.

Our National Women’s Convener, Rhiannon Spear, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend

Speakers: Michael Russell, SNP President, Political Director of SNP Independence Unit

Speakers:

MEMBERS ONLY

Cllr Rhiannon Spear, National Women’s Convener

DR1324_Party conference advert_GB_V003.pdf

09/09/2021

10:20

CMY

Nominations are now open for the SNP Annual Awards 2021 CATEGORIES

• Branch of the Year • Councillor of the Year • Parliamentarian of the Year • Activist of the Year • Lifetime Achievement Award • Special Recognition Award Party members can submit one nomination for each category Nomination Form is available HERE

Deadline for submitting nominations is 09:00 on Monday 1st November.

Fringe Meetings

Saturday 11 September MORNING

Saturday 11 September

09h15 - 10h15

Q&A with the National Treasurer

SNP Socialists

Our National Treasurer, Colin Beattie, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. This session is mainly for Treasurers and Conveners, although all members are welcome to attend.

SNP Socialists host this Fringe event to discuss the role people on the progressive inclusive left of politics can play in the upcoming Independence referendum campaign. Co-Convener Graham Campbell will be joined by other SNP Socialist elected members.

Speakers: Colin Beattie MSP, National Treasurer MEMBERS ONLY

Fringe Meetings

Saturday 11 September EARLY AFTERNOON

Saturday 11 September

12h45 - 13h45

ZOOM

A People Powered Response to the Climate Crisis We are facing a climate crisis, to find solutions that work for people across Scotland we need to change the way we do democracy. In this interactive session we will hear from two experts on why and how we need to do democracy differently. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how our democracy needs to be updated to tackle the unprecedented challenge of the climate crisis. Speakers: Mairi McAllan MSP, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform Katie Gallogly-Swan, Policy Co-ordinator, Global Development Policy Center Brett Hennig, Co-director, Sortition Foundation

Meet with the National Secretary Our National Secretary, Stewart Stevenson, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend Speakers: Stewart Stevenson, National Secretary MEMBERS ONLY

Saturday 11 September

12h45 - 13h45

Meet with the National Disabled Members’ Convener

Meet with the Highlands and Islands NEC representatives

Our National Disabled Members’ Convener, Jamie Szymkowiak, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend.

Our Highlands and Islands NEC representatives, Laura Mitchell and Ian Cockburn, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from the Highlands and Islands are welcome to attend.

Speakers: Jamie Szymkowiak, National Disabled Members’ Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Speakers: Laura Mitchell, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee Cllr Ian Cockburn, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee MEMBERS ONLY

Fringe Meetings

Saturday 11 September LATE AFTERNOON

Saturday 11 September

16h30 - 17h30

Saving Scotland’s Rainforest

Rooting for Net Zero: Scotland’s Farming Future

Did you know Scotland has rainforest? Join leading NGOs for a discussion on the state of woods and trees, focussing on this globally important habitat on Scotland’s west coast. Our rainforest is a solution to the nature and climate crises, and communities are working to save it for future generations. Hear from those working on saving Scotland’s rainforest and be inspired to experience this habitat yourself. Speakers: Jenni Minto MSP, Member of Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee Emma Gilmartin, Conservation Adviser, Woodland Trust

Scotland’s net zero journey is underway, but we Scotland’s net zero journey is underway, but we still have a long way to go to meet our challenging targets. A just transition to transform the future of Scottish farming will be central to achieving our climate ambitions. With just weeks until Glasgow hosts COP26, we need urgent domestic policy action to match with global ambition to keep warming to 1.5 degrees, including in key sectors like agriculture. Join WWF Scotland, Jim Fairlie MSP, and farming voices, for a discussion on the future of Scottish farming in a net zero world. Speakers:

Julie Stoneman, Saving Scotland’s Rainforest Project Manager, Plantlife Scotland

Dr Sheila George, Food & Environment Policy Manager, WWF Scotland

Gordon Gray Stephens, Community Woodlands Association

Jim Fairlie MSP, Member of Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee Nigel Millar, Co-Chair Farming for 1.5 Degrees Nikki Yoxall, Farmer, Pasture-Fed Livestock Association

Saturday 11 September 16h30 - 17h30

Meet with the Local Government Convener Our Local Government Convener, Kelly Parry, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend. Speakers: Cllr Kelly Parry, Local Government Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Fringe Meetings

Sunday 12 September EARLY AFTERNOON

Sunday 12 September

16h30 - 17h30

12h45 - 13h45

Organiser’s Surgery

Meet with the Lothian NEC representatives

A drop-in session for Organisers, with a chance to ask questions and discuss ideas with Stacy Bradley, Organisation Convener. Speakers: Stacy Bradley, Organisation Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Our Lothian NEC representatives, Ellie Bird and Robert de Bold, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from Lothian are welcome to attend. Speakers: Cllr Ellie Bird, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee Cllr Robert de Bold, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee MEMBERS ONLY

Sunday 12 September

12h45 - 13h45

Meet with the North East Scotland NEC representatives

Meet with the Mid Scotland and Fife NEC representatives

Our North East Scotland NEC representatives, Ciaran McRae and Kate Monahan, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from North East Scotland are welcome to attend.

Our Mid Scotland and Fife NEC representatives, Kirsty Jarvis and Roger Mullin, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from Mid Scotland and Fife are welcome to attend.

Speakers:

Cllr Ciaran McRae, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Kirsty Jarvis, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Kate Monahan, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Roger Mullin, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

MEMBERS ONLY

Fringe Meetings

Sunday 12 September EARLY AFTERNOON

Sunday 12 September

12h45 - 13h45

Meet with the Central Scotland NEC representatives

Meet with the West Scotland NEC representatives

Our Central Scotland NEC representatives, Farah Farzana and Findlay MacGregor, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from Central Scotland are welcome to attend.

Our West Scotland NEC representatives, Brian Lawson and Emma Hendrie, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from West Scotland are welcome to attend.

Speakers:

Farah Farzana, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Emma Hendrie, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Findlay MacGregor, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Brian Lawson, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

MEMBERS ONLY

Sunday 12 September 12h45 - 13h45

Meet with the South Scotland NEC representatives Our South Scotland NEC representatives, Amanda Burgauer and Heather Anderson, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from South Scotland are welcome to attend. Speakers: Cllr Heather Anderson, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee Amanda Burgauer, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee MEMBERS ONLY

Fringe Meetings

Sunday 12 September LATE AFTERNOON

Sunday 12 September

16h30 - 17h30

North Sea oil and the Just Transition

Meet with the Policy Development Convener

In the face of the climate emergency, the First Minister has urged Boris Johnson to ‘reassess’ new oil field developments while a Scottish Government review on North Sea policy will be taking place over the next year. A managed phase out of oil and gas production in the North Sea requires planning and investment in a just transition for workers and communities currently dependent on the industry. We have the potential to create plentiful decent green jobs, positively transform the energy industry and support Aberdeen and the North East. Speakers: Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Greg Muttitt, Senior Policy Adviser, Energy Supply, International Institute for Sustainable Development Ryan Morrison, Just Transition Campaigner, Friends of the Earth Scotland Silje Lundberg, Senior Campaigner, Oil Change International

Our Policy Development Convener, Chris Hanlon, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend Speakers: Chris Hanlon, Policy Development Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Sunday 12 September

16h30 - 17h30

Meet with the National BAME Convener

Organisers Surgery

Our National BAME Convener, Cllr Graham Campbell, will update you on progress BAME activism in the party, report back on issues like selection of BAME parliamentary and council candidates. This session will also provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about his role on the NEC over the last few months; and to discuss anti racism movements in Scotland since Black Lives Matter and what these mean for the upcoming campaign for Independence. ALL members are welcome to attend.

A drop-in session for Organisers, with a chanceto ask questions and discuss ideas with StacyBradley, Organisation Convener. Speakers: Stacy Bradley, Organisation Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Speakers: Cllr Graham Campbell, National BAME Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Fringe Meetings

Monday 13 September MORNING

Monday 13 September

09h30 - 10h30

09h15 - 10h15

Towards Net-Zero: Accelerating Scotland’s Energy Transition

Organiser’s Surgery

If we are to reach the Scottish Government’s 2045 net-zero target, we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. We all have a role to play if we are to achieve this. In the run up to COP26, join Holyrood and BP as we discuss the next steps in our net-zero journey; the opportunities we have in relation to offshore wind capabilities; and how we can secure Scotland’s place as a world leader in renewable energy, as we have seen in the oil and gas industry. Speakers: Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Professor Tahseen Jafry, Director, Centre for Climate Justice Dev Sanyal, EVP Gas & Low Carbon Energy, BP Chaired by: Mandy Rhodes, Managing Editor, Holyrood Communications

A drop-in session for Organisers, with a chance to ask questions and discuss ideas with Stacy Bradley, Organisation Convener. Speakers: Stacy Bradley, Organisation Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Monday 13 September

09h15 - 10h15

Meet with the Glasgow NEC representatives

Meet with the National Equalities Convener

Our Glasgow NEC representatives, Alex Kerr and Christina Cannon, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members from Glasgow are welcome to attend.

Our National Equalities Convener, Fiona Robertson, will update you on the last few months, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas. All members are welcome to attend.

Speakers:

Cllr Christina Cannon, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee

Fiona Robertson, National Equalities Convener MEMBERS ONLY

Alex Kerr, Ordinary Member of the National Executive Committee MEMBERS ONLY

my.snp.org

Standing Orders

Standing Orders for National Conference September 2021 01

Preparation of Agenda

1.1 Conferences Committee in carrying out its responsibilities under the constitution to set the agenda for National Conference— (a) decides on all of the items to be included on the agenda, the order the items are to be taken and the approximate time to be allocated to each. (b) may revise and amend resolutions and amendments for clarity and to maintain a standard form; (c) may incorporate more than one resolution into a single resolution with the same broad policy objective, provided that nothing in the final resolution is contrary to the intention of any of the original resolutions; (d) must fully consider all proposed amendments received in response to the provisional agenda; (e) must categorises all resolutions considered under the following headings— (i) put forward unamended, (ii) put forward amended for presentation purposes, (iii) put forward composited, (iv) retain to consider placing on the agenda at a future conference, (v) reject as existing policy, (vi) reject in favour of other resolutions; and (vii) reject for other reasons. 1.2

The information to be provided to any member submitting a resolution which has been rejected by Conferences Committee is which heading the rejection falls under and any further reasons for its rejection.

02 Order of Business 2.1

At the beginning of Conference, a motion to approve the report of Conferences Committee must be passed by a simple majority.

2.2

The order of business must include an opportunity for debating Topical or Emergency resolutions. Topical or Emergency resolutions must be submitted to Conferences Committee by the deadline intimated to delegates.

03 Convener 3.1

The Business Convener may delegate chairing National Conference to another member of the National Executive Committee.

3.2

If the chair of any session is unable to connect reliably with the e-Conference platform for five minutes, then a previously agreed member will take over as chair of National Conference.

3.3

The chair is in charge of the proceedings and conducts them in accordance with recognised procedure as amplified by Standing Orders and so far as possible within the confines of the technical solution.

3.4

An electronic facility will be provided to allow delegates to communicate any matter of concern in relation to the proceedings to the chair.

04 Conduct of Debate 4.1

Delegates wishing to speak in any debate must complete an electronic Speaker’s card by a time to be advised in advance of each debate.

4.2

A list of intended speakers will be provided in advance of each debate. Speakers will require to take all steps advised to facilitate their electronic entry to the virtual conference floor.

4.3

The Convener will ensure that Speakers are allocated time to ensure that there is a full debate on the resolutions and any amendments, bringing in as wide a range of views on the subjects as possible Conference Committee will be consulted on the timing structure to be applied to the debates at conference.

4.4

Where no Speaker’s cards have been submitted to speak against a resolution, the chair will normally only allow two delegates to speak in favour of the resolution.

05 Voting 5.1

All voting will be conducted electronically Delegates will require to vote within the time frame and in the manner advised by the chair.

5.2

Votes on resolutions and any amendments are either in favour of the resolution being carried, or against the resolution being carried. In the event of a tie, the resolution is not carried.

5.3

Where no speaker has indicated that they wish to speak against a resolution or an amendment, the chair may either advise that Conference has therefore carried the resolution or amendment or arrange for an electronic vote.

5.4

Conferences Committee monitors the effectiveness and reliability of the electronic counting system and reports any concerns about its operation to the chair, who can take any remedial action to ensure that the views of the delegates on the resolution have been properly reflected in the votes.

5.5

Individual delegates being unable to connect with the system during a voting period does not invalidate any vote, but if the chair considers that there were wider issues with the voting system significant enough to cast doubt on the result of any vote, it can be retaken at the same session or at a subsequent session of conference.

06 Dissent

It is open to any member to have their dissent recorded from any decision or ruling. This must be done through the electronic channel.

Reports to National 07 Conference 7.1 The reports required under the constitution to be received by National Conference will be made available online to delegates. 7.2 Any delegate wishing to ask a question to anyone providing a report will have a facility to do so online.

Outcome of Business 08 of National Conference

A document recording the Outcome of the Business of National Conference will be made available on the Member’s hub within seven days of the end of conference and will include— (a) the text of all resolutions passed; (b) a note of all votes taken; and (c) the results of all internal elections.

Conference will be asked to approve the use of these Standing Orders for this conference only at the beginning of the first session.

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Essential Information

Essential Information 2021 With so much packed into just four days, and this being only our second online conference, there is a lot of information to take in. This brief guide will help you to fully engage with conference and enjoy doing so.

ACCESSING CONFERENCE Conference will be hosted on an online platform called Hopin. It’s easy to use, and accessed via a web browser. Registered attendees will receive an email prior to conference from Hopin asking you to ‘Accept Registration’. The email will include your unique registration link to access the event which you need to accept by clicking on the blue button prior to conference. This link is personal to you so please do not send this email on to other members if they have not yet received theirs. So that you receive all correspondence on the run up to conference, please accept your registration when you receive this email, rather than waiting until the event starts. The email will be sent from Hopin, please look out for this as it might go to your junk or spam folder. If it does end up in there, you will need to move the email into your inbox before clicking the ‘Accept Registration’ button as it will not work if it thinks that it is spam. All events taking place on Hopin, including fringe events require you to have a valid conference registration. We recommend running a desktop browser for the best and seamless experience across the Hopin platform. Hopin is fully compatible with the latest versions of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Other browsers and devices may also work but they may have limited compatibility and Hopin cannot guarantee that they will work as expected. It is a good idea to restart your computer before the event to ensure anything that might conflict with the event audio is closed. With anything online, it is only as good as your internet speed. Hopin recommends a minimum of 5mbps download and 2mbps upload. Ideally, they like to see 30mbps download and 10mbps upload or higher for best quality. If you are experiencing issues due to your internet connection, during the event, it can sometimes help to move closer to your router. If for any reason you do not receive your registration email from Hopin or if you need any assistance with downloading the best browser please email events@snp.org prior to conference detailing your issue, membership number and contact details so that we can try to assist.

OVERVIEW On Hopin, the main navigation bar appears on the left side of your screen. There are five areas of Conference: Upon opening Hopin and joining conference, you will land in the Reception area. You should think of the reception area as a venue’s lobby, it’s the information hub. Here you can find an overview of the agenda so you can follow what is currently happening and what’s to come. There will be a link to the full conference handbook from here too. The Plenary is where delegates debate and vote on policy resolutions and listen to keynote speeches. Although only delegates can contribute and vote in these debates, member visitors are also welcome and encouraged to observe these sessions. Fringe events are an ideal way for members to take part in more intimate discussions around topical issues or policy with key stakeholders and are an important part of conference. The format generally follows a keynote speech from the sponsoring organisation and another from an elected SNP member. This is usually followed by a question and answer session between the fringe panel and the audience. Both delegates and member visitors can take part and contribute to these discussions. More details on individual fringe events can be found in the Fringe Programme section of the Conference Handbook. The Exhibition area is host to a number of organisations, both internal and external to the SNP, all of whom are there to engage with SNP members. Conference attendees are strongly encouraged to visit this area as an essential part of the conference experience. You can interact with each exhibitor either through their specific chat panel, by sharing your audio or visual, or by registering your interest and they will follow up with you by email. The Blether area provides you with the opportunity to speak with other conference attendees, for all those great conference chats in the lobby or in the corridors, which make conference such an enjoyable experience. When you enter this area and select that you are ‘Ready to Share’, you will be randomly matched with one other participant. Your blether will last 5 minutes and you are able to leave the meeting at any time. A timer in the upper right hand corner will let you know how long is remaining. If you both choose to extend the blether, before the time is up, you can continue for longer. When the time is up, your blether will automatically end and you can click ‘Ready’ to be matched with a new participant.

Essential Information 2021 ADMISSION Conference sessions will take place in the Plenary area of Hopin. The button to access the Plenary will be available for you to see on the left side of your screen at all times.

Exhibition Area*

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

Friday 10 September

12h00 - 16h30

14h00 - 16h00

Saturday 11 September

09h00 - 16h30

10h30 - 12h30

14h00 - 16h00

Sunday 12 September

09h00 - 16h30

10h30 - 12h30

14h00 - 16h00

Monday 13 September

09h00 - 13h00

10h30 - 12h30

*Individual exhibitors may only be live at certain times throughout the day. This will be detailed in their exhibition description.

FRINGE EVENTS The timetable for Fringe Events is as follows:

Morning

Early Afternoon

Late Afternoon

Friday 10 September

12h45 - 13h45

16h30 - 17h30

Saturday 11 September

09h15 - 10h15

12h45 - 13h45

16h30 - 17h30

Sunday 12 September

09h15 - 10h15

12h45 - 13h45

16h30 - 17h30

Monday 13 September

09h15 - 10h15

Please refer to the full Fringe Events timetable in your Conference Handbook to the time slot for your chosen meeting.

• Fringe events are accessed by pressing on the Fringe button on the left side of your screen. Once in this section, you can select your chosen event.

• Unless you are speaking in the fringe event you should not request to share your audio and video. • You can interact with the event through the chat panel on the right side of your screen. • You can easily move around the events that are taking place at the same time. • All Fringe events will be recorded, unless specifically requested by the sponsoring organisation, and available to view following conference on my.snp.org.

• If you need assistance finding anything, you should go to SNP Headquarters Booth in the Exhibition area. 66

SPEAKING AT CONFERENCE To speak on a resolution during conference, you must be a delegate. If you are a delegate and wish to speak in a debate, you will need to follow this guidance. To make a speech in a debate you must submit a Request to Speak Form online here:

Request to Speak Form You need to fill out the form with your details and the details of the resolution you wish to speak on. Remember to tick the box to let us know if you are a first time speaker. If you need assistance filling out your speaker card please email: conference@snp.org. Please complete all parts of the form, including the lines of the resolution you wish to focus on, and your particular expertise, so that the debate can be a full and balanced one. Speakers selected for a debate will be sent an email prior to conference detailing exactly what you need to do technically in order to speak. The email you receive, if selected, will answer any further questions and provide you with contact details to seek further help. Please be aware that speakers do not always get called, this is often dependent on the number of people who have submitted cards and the time left in the session. There is no guarantee that you will be selected to speak, reserves will be selected in case any speaker suffers any technical issues. It is perfectly normal for speakers to have prepared a speech beforehand so please don’t be hesitant about reading from your notes. You will need to share your audio and visual in order to speak at conference so remember to dress appropriately and make sure there is nothing behind you that you don’t want other attendees to see.

VOTING AT CONFERENCE Only registered conference delegates can vote, with a simple majority of those voting required to pass the resolution. Voting will be available through Hopin when you are in the Plenary area. Votes will show for delegates in the ‘Vote’ tab which is located on the top right of your screen. Delegates vote by selecting the relevant button on the screen. Five minutes will be allocated to voting on each resolution to allow time for all delegates to cast their vote and for the result to be finalised. All votes taking place at conference will be counted by Hopin and the results will be announced once voting has closed.

Essential Information 2021 TOPICAL AND EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS Topical Resolutions are based on subjects that have arisen after the deadline for submitting resolutions has passed. Emergency Resolutions are based on issues that have arisen during the conference itself. Topical and Emergency Resolutions for consideration must be submitted by:

• 09h00 on Friday 10 September for discussion on Saturday 11 September • 09h00 on Saturday 11 September for discussion on Sunday 12 September • 09h00 on Sunday 12 September for discussion on Monday 13 September. Resolutions should be submitted by email to debates@snp.org. You must include a list of all speakers for each resolution and their email addresses so that speaker instruction can easily be sent prior to the debate. Once Topical and Emergency Resolutions are selected a Request to Speak Form will be made available for these resolutions. Resolutions should be submitted by the Convener or Secretary of a delegating body, or by two Elected Members or Parliamentarians. Topical and Emergency resolutions will be displayed on screen and read out loud during the session.

ACCESSIBILITY We aim to make SNP Conference as accessible as possible for all members and visitors. Headquarters staff will be available at the Headquarters booth in the Exhibition area should you require any support at any time throughout your conference experience. British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation and on screen subtitles will be available to view for all plenary sessions during debates and speeches. This will be available for everyone and will not require additional download or going to a separate area. You are able to navigate Hopin by keyboard and any error messaging is intuitive and illustrative for easier navigation with screen readers. The conference handbook will be hosted on ISSUU and will be compatible with screen readers and will be downloadable as a PDF.

TECH HELP DESK It is completely understandable that many attendees may require some assistance, this is new for everyone involved. With any online event there may be some technical glitches, but we are here to help. If you have any technical issues whilst accessing conference, there is a Tech Help Desk located in the exhibition which will be staffed by our friendly Digital Stewards. Our Digital Stewards are SNP members who have volunteered their time to help conference run smoothly, so please be patient while they assist you with any technical difficulties. If you are facing a technical issue that is not allowing you to access Hopin, please email events@snp.org and a Digital Steward will be in touch to assist.

Contacts

Contacts With us all attending conference from home, it is important that your questions and queries go to the right place the first time. Here are all the contacts you will need: If you believe that you have registered as a Conference Delegate or Member Visitor and have not received access to conference, please email: member.care@snp.org To communicate with the chair on any matters of concern in relations to the proceedings i.e. points of order, please email: debates@snp.org Submitting Topical and Emergency Resolutions, please email: debates@snp.org You must include a list of all speakers for each resolution and their email addresses so that speaker instruction can easily be sent prior to the debate. Questions about the agenda, exhibition or fringe programme: conference@snp.org During conference you can also go to the SNP Headquarters Desk available in the Exhibition where the usual friendly faces will be available to assist. If you have a question regarding a fringe event you are in, please use the chat function in Hopin. For all technical difficulties, particularly any issues with accessing conference, please email: events@snp.org During conference you can also go to the Tech Help Desk available in the Exhibition, where your volunteer digital stewards will try to assist. For all media enquiries, please email: snpmedia@snpmedia.net During conference you should go to the Media Zone available in the Exhibition, which will be staffed throughout conference by SNP Press Officers. For any specific accessibility issues or requirements, such as BSL interpretation, please contact: events@snp.org