SNP 88th National Conference 2022 Agenda

Agenda Saturday 8 October

Session 1

10h30 Welcome Address by Keith Brown MSP, Depute Leader Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans

10h40 Report of the Conferences Committee

10h45 Resolutions

12h00 Address by Lesia Vasylenko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine

12h15 Close

01 RERAILING NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND

Conference recognises the vital role that Scotland’s railways will fulfil in the low carbon economy; notes that inclusive growth and access to high quality public transport are transformative for people and business.

Conference understands that Peterhead and Fraserburgh are the largest towns farthest from the rail network in Scotland and rail links could lead to substantial investment and the regeneration of the towns; acknowledges the ports located in the towns are strategically important for future trade routes with our Nordic and European neighbours; and notes the vast economic potential that freight trains will bring to the local, regional and national economy.

Conference agrees that rail links to Fraserburgh and Peterhead should be re-established to the Scottish rail network as a matter of priority. KAREN ADAM MSP, CLLR ANOUK KLOPPERT

02 ROSYTH-ZEEBRUGGE FERRY LINK

Conference welcomes the news of the proposed reopening of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route and commends the efforts of all those that have campaigned for years to achieve this much.

Conference recognises that Scotland is historically a maritime nation and the economic benefits we have enjoyed from our close connection to the sea date back well over a thousand years.

Conference deplores that decades of inaction and underinvestment by Westminster has led to this situation where our international ferry services have atrophied to such an extent that we have no mainland ferry link to continental Europe.

Conference resolves to set a timescale, of the end of this Scottish Parliament, to consult with coastal communities through a deliberative consultation model, to ensure all needs and requirements are taken into account, particularly those of island communities, and to establish an ambitious Maritime Strategy which will meet an independent Scotland’s business, tourism, and international maritime trading requirements.

WEST FIFE & COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH, DOUGLAS CHAPMAN MP, UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, EASTWOOD CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

AMENDMENT

Add at end: “This would include exploring the possibilities of getting freight goods off the road and into containers for onward shipping.

LEITH BRANCH

03 COMMUNITY BUS SERVICES

Conference notes party policy to make bus travel a more attractive and reliable option by investing over £500 million to improve bus infrastructure and tackle congestion. Protecting the National Concessionary Travel Scheme, extending free bus travel to everyone under 22 years old, investing £120 million in Zero Emission Buses, and enabling Local Authorities to optimise delivery of bus services in their area is an integral part of current policy.

Conference is concerned however at the apparent lack of progress in delivering bus services in local communities and agrees that providing regular affordable bus services that meets people’s needs, are key to persuading people to use public transport and help Scotland to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Conference therefore calls upon Scottish Government to set up a working group with Cosla to investigate the delivery of realistic bus services that can be rolled out in local authority areas.

STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH, GRANTOWN & DISTRICT BRANCH, UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH & MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, AVONDALE BRANCH

Agenda Saturday 8 October

04 LAND REFORM

Conference believes that land reform and national independence have always been seen by Scots as inseparable aims. Rapid progress on both is essential in the quest for a democratic, fairer and resilient nation.

Conference welcomes the promise of a new Land Reform Bill in 2023 that seeks to deliver the next chapter of just transition, community wealth building, nurturing natural resources, wellbeing, food security and repopulation which all rely on radical land reform to succeed.

Conference believes that diverse and sustainable land uses require diverse and transparent land ownership which is taxed appropriately. Therefore we call for a ministerial task force to coordinate an inter-departmental approach, as is the case with climate change policies, to deliver the land reform related manifesto pledges which we won the right to apply in the 2021 Scottish Election.

Ahead of the new Land Reform Bill in 2023, Conference calls for early intervention by our Scottish Government to end the harm inflicted on local communities by secret land deals, shortage of affordable housing, carbon colonialism and its associated land purchases.

We urge the Scottish Government to take action:

A) Secret land deals must be ended by parliamentary instruments that instruct sellers to advertise land for sale ensuring adequate time for local communities to register an interest to buy.

B) Land for affordable homes at existing use value would reduce construction costs. Designation of housing pressured areas can be backed by internationally-agreed human rights conventions to build eco-friendly homes on public or private land which will be protected from open market sales by rural burdens and title conditions.

C) Unregulated carbon offsetting has spiked due to UK tax breaks and Scottish tree planting and peatland grants. Local communities must be consulted before land purchases for carbon offsetting schemes Woodland and peatland carbon codes must be made to benefit nature and local communities. Tougher rules can promote peatland restoration, planting non-commercial tree species and permanent woodland creation instead of monetising natural resources.

A surge of land purchases for private gain and carbon offsetting undermines local communities without offering community benefit. A mechanism is needed to curtail land purchases in Scotland which exploit our precious biodiversity for private gain by individuals acting alone or in consortia. The Scottish Government should plan to introduce legally-binding limits on the total amount of land that can be held by such owners.

LONDON BRANCH, CITY WEST

Session 2

14h00 Topical and Emergency Resolutions

14h20 Resolutions

15h15 Address by Ian Blackford MP, SNP Westminster Leader

15h30 Resolutions

16h15 Close

05 ADOPTION OF THE DEFINITION OF ISLAMOPHOBIA IN THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Conference acknowledges the NEC decision to formally adopt the definition of Islamophobia in February 2022:

“Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”. Substantial research has taken place and has been led by the APPG on British Muslims and further supported by the previous CPG on Tackling Islamophobia.”

Conference makes a commitment to support the rights of victims by upholding Islamophobia as a recognised form of hate crime.

Conference requests the Scottish Government to officially adopt and implement the APPG definition of Islamophobia in all policies and practices.

SNP BAME NETWORK, SCOTS ASIANS FOR INDEPENDENCE, KIRSTEEN FRASER (EQUALITIES CONVENER), KAUKAB STEWART MSP, STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH

Agenda Saturday 8 October

06 UK RWANDA PLAN FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

Conference condemns the UK Government’s assault on asylum seekers which is causing worry and suffering to some of the most vulnerable in society seeking refuge.

Conference believes that everyone has the right to live in dignity, safety, and free of poverty and discrimination of any kind. This is also for LGBTQ+ people who have fled life-threatening situations in their home countries.

Conference recognises that the UK Rwanda plan is immoral and violates asylum seekers human rights to a fair trial, freedom of expression and privacy, allegations of torture, overcrowding, and excessive use of force at processing centres.

Conference therefore resolves that the UK government abandon its policy of cruelty and commit to its obligation of welcoming those fleeing war, economic instability, and persecution.

SNP BAME NETWORK, GRANTOWN & DISTRICT BRANCH, CLLR GRAHAM CAMPBELL (BAME CONVENER), ANNE MCLAUGHLIN MP, UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, CRAIGENTINNY/DUDDINGSTON BRANCH, EASTWOOD CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, LEITH BRANCH, CLLR IAN GALLAGHER, AVONDALE BRANCH, ABERDEEN CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, EDINBURGH CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH & MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION

07 EDUCATING NEW SCOTS ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS

Conference notes that many new Scots, from all origins, still are not aware that they are allowed to vote.

Conference also notes that, some fear to have their voices heard, due the media reports from racist and alienating actions and laws, happening in England.

Furthermore, Conference notes that independence support increased after Brexit, and many EU New Scots call Scotland Home, and have been a huge asset to our society

Conference believes that New Scots can make a substantial difference in the next referendum since they represent 7.6% of total population Conference, therefore, resolves that training should be widely offered to SNP activists, so that they can inform New Scots of their voting rights, while campaigning for the next referendum.

Conference, also resolves, that all promotional material, printed and online, should include a QR code linked to information in several languages, and that specific campaign events should be aimed at New Scots.

GILMERTON BRANCH, CLLR SERENA COWDY, ARBROATH & DISTRICT BRANCH, BEARSDEN SOUTH BRANCH AMENDMENT

Add at end of the first paragraph, “in Scotland”. Replace second paragraph with “Conference condemns the UK Government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy which makes it more difficult for people from overseas to come to live and work in Scotland.”

CLLR SERENA COWDY, CLLR ALEX KERR

08 ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION

Conference condemns the UK Government’s plans to increase the capacity of the immigration detention estate, including a new detention centre for 1500 people in Linton-on-Ouse and plans to ‘offshore’ asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Conference notes that seeking asylum is not illegal, and the UK Government unfairly punishes those who are trafficked or make dangerous journeys to reach a safe location.

Conference notes that immigration detention should not be the default option for any government and should only be used when strictly necessary and proportionate. Conference further notes that the cost of detaining an individual can cost around double that of alternatives such as housing and legal guidance.

Conference also believes that Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre is completely at odds with this vision, and has not been welcome in Scotland since it was imposed upon us by the Home Office in 2001.

Conference resolves that an independent Scotland should oversee the dismantling of the immigration detention system as far as is possible. Conference agrees that alternatives to detention should be sought wherever possible for those who have grounds for detention under the current system.

GLASGOW PROVAN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, GLASGOW SHETTLESTON CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, EAST NEUK BRANCH, OUT FOR INDEPENDENCE, GALLOWAY ASSOCIATION,

Agenda Saturday 8 October

09 ABORTION SERVICES IN SCOTLAND

Conference affirms that universal access to sexual and reproductive health education and services - including access to contraception and to safe abortion services - should be a fundamental human right.

Conference respects the principle of free speech regarding abortion rights. Conference also recognises that the right to free speech is not absolute and that legal limits should be placed on speech that contravenes the rights of others, which causes harassment, alarm, and distress.

To ensure that anyone in Scotland who requires it can safely access legal Abortion Services to the full extent of that allowed in the current Abortion Act, Conference calls on the Scottish Government to make the following actions a priority:

• Ensure that national buffer zone legislation is enacted to protect those who are attending reproductive medicine clinics/hospitals offering abortion services.

• Make the availability of home abortion services implemented during the pandemic a permanently available service and ensure this service is available and equally accessible across all Health Board areas in Scotland, by setting clear standards for provision.

• Immediately begin the process of commissioning a specialist provision and recruiting and training staff to provide specialist services for legal, later term abortions up to 24 weeks in Scotland. This would end the need for women, in this difficult position, to have to travel to England to receive services.

Conference further affirms that women should be able to feel secure that their current abortion rights will be retained and improved in an independent Scotland, and as such, calls upon the Scottish Parliament to establish an expert review of existing legislation. GLASGOW ABERDEEN CONSTITUENCY

10 A REAL LIVING PENSION

Conference applauds the prior decision by this body to investigate at least equalising the State Pension in an Independent Scotland with the OECD average of 62.9% of wages at retirement.

Conference recognises that in the intervening time much has happened, not least a cost of living crisis, rampant inflation, and a Tory UK Government that has reneged on the promise of a Triple Lock on Pensions they were elected on.

Conference welcomes the research published by PLSA on Retirement Living Standards which suggested that in 2021 the minimum level the UK State Pension needed to be was £209pw. It has long been the case that the UK government does not value the contributions to society that were made by retired workers nor considers it their duty to ensure those that have done their bit can enjoy their retirement in comfort and dignity.

Conference resolves that upon independence the Scottish State Pension shall be a Real Living Pension that ensures that, until we can do the work to bring our State Pension up to the levels of other equivalent advanced economies in the EU, our pensioners will at least by able to live in dignity and have the security of knowing that their living standards are protected.

Conference further resolves that such a Real Living Pension will begin at the equivalent of no less than £220pw in 2021 Pounds Sterling and will be adjusted quarterly to account for increases in the real cost of living for those in receipt of it.

Conference extends its eternal gratitude to the current generation of retirees that worked all their lives to create the world the rest of us now enjoy and makes a solemn commitment to giving them their due and the respect they deserve.

WEST FIFE & COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH

Agenda Sunday 9 October

Session 3

10h30 Scotland’s Future: Independence

Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Michael Russell, SNP President and Political Director of the SNP Independence Unit 10h45 Resolutions

12h00 Fraternal Address by Plaid Cymru 12h15 Close

11 HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS

Conference welcomes SNP policy initiatives to tackle homelessness with short term emergency accommodation and rapid rehousing approach to increase housing choices for those facing (or experiencing) homelessness. Conference also commends the work of charities such as Shelter Scotland, Cyrenians, Social Bite and others, working with Councils’ Housing Departments to tackle homelessness.

Conference notes homeless statistics from Scottish Government indicating that in 2020-21 70% of households were single person households, and that single person accommodation is in limited supply in Scotland.

Conference believes everyone in Scotland has a right to a comfortable, safe and affordable home, and encourages Scottish Government to explore options such as conversion of suitable premises in town centres to create safe and supported accommodation for single people, and the eco village created by Social Bite with support from Cyrenians in Edinburgh.

STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH, GRANTOWN & DISTRICT BRANCH, BEARSDEN SOUTH BRANCH, UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, CLLR IAN GALLAGHER, ANGUS NORTH & MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION, AVONDALE BRANCH

12 TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Conferences notes the importance of the transition to renewable energy in mitigating the effects of climate change. While Scotland is a world leader in utilising wind energy, Conference believes that greater investment is needed in solar energy and storage to further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to regenerate electricity.

Conference therefore resolves that all publicly funded buildings should be surveyed to ascertain their suitability for the deployment of rooftop solar installations.

All new public buildings should be designed to ensure that rooftop solar — and where appropriate, storage — can be incorporated into the new infrastructure.

The avoided CO2 emissions and other GHGs from this renewable source and the mediumterm savings on public fuel bills through the supply of electricity to the grid would enable Councils to fulfil their environmental and fiscal commitments.

Furthermore, Conferences resolves that all new retail parks should only include buildings with a load-bearing capacity capable of safely carrying solar installations.

These small changes to planning laws would invigorate demand for training and services in the structural and electrical engineering sectors, safety certification, and ongoing work in the operations and maintenance of solar installations which usually have an operational lifetime of over 25 years. Our young people could be part of a generation growing up with access to quality jobs with transferable skills and a sense of purpose in shaping their future.

WEST

In Paragraph 2 Delete: “should” and Insert: “must”

In Paragraph 3 Delete: “should” and insert: “must”

In Paragraph 4 Delete: “GHGs” and insert: “greenhouse gasses”

DUMFRIES

Agenda Sunday 9 October

13 DOMESTIC ENERGY SAVINGS

Conference notes and supports the Scottish Government declaration of a climate emergency and is supportive of all the initiatives underway to ensure Scotland meets the targets established for reductions of CO2 and other pollutants. Conference further notes that there are some ‘quick hits’ that could make a contribution in the domestic energy sphere that could be achieved by changes in building control regulations and / or straightforward secondary legislation.

Conference calls on the Scottish Government to make these changes mandatory for new construction or major refurbishments and to introduce substantial encouragements, including financial, for existing properties, including tenements.

In summary, these ‘quick hits’ are:

1. Solar PV panels on every available roof space

2. Pressurised water systems

3. Under-floor heating and a ban on any future radiator installations

4. Triple glazing

5. Modification to the Tenements Act 2004 to give factors the ability to install energy efficiency measures in tenement properties if a majority of proprietors are supportive; and the ability to collect the appropriate financial contribution from all proprietors including any minority who may have opposed the installation.

GLASGOW KELVIN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, KAUKAB STEWART MSP, BEARSDEN NORTH BRANCH

AMENDMENT A

Replace “Solar PV panels on every available roof space.” with: “Solar PV panels on every available roof space, with associated domestic battery storage to maximise use of all available power.”

GLASGOW KELVIN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

AMENDMENT B

Add at the end of the first paragraph “Additionally, Conference notes that Scotland is home to nearly 50,000 listed buildings, 93% of which are Category B & C.”

Add as an additional item to the list, “Re-examine the use of the Listed Building Consent requirement with regard to sympathetic like-for-like double glazing for Category B (50%) & C (43%) properties, and un-listed properties in a designated conservation area.”

ELGIN BRANCH

AMENDMENT C

Insert as the first item on the list “Ensuring properties are insulated as closely as possible to Passivhaus+, or equivalent, standard as is cost-effective before any other energy saving or generation measure is undertaken.”

WEST FIFE & COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH

14 CARBON CAPTURE UTILISATION AND STORAGE (CCUS)

Conference recognises the existential threat from the climate and ecological emergency has a complex of interrelated causes. One of the most harmful is the release of CO2 from the fossil fuel industry. Therefore, initiatives are underway globally to sequester CO2, including CCUS.

Conference has grave concerns about the efficacy and cost of CCUS, a technology which still has not been proven at scale. Substantial progress in energy sector decarbonisation is required by 2030. However, significant levels of CCUS capacity are not expected until 2030 at the earliest. CCUS may be too expensive and by the time it is operational, it might be too late.

Extensive research has shown that until our energy system has been substantially decarbonised, CCUS processes will emit more CO2 than they sequester. These processes are therefore currently net contributors to carbon emissions. Additionally, the role of CCUS will diminish with the faster deployment and development of renewable energy and other technologies to reduce emissions from industrial processes.

Conference values genuine, evidence based, well-judged policies that ensure human and planetary wellbeing and believes that the accelerated use of renewables and biological carbon sequestration is a far better alternative to CCUS.

Conference proposes that it should be party policy that CCUS should only be considered as part of a carbon sequestration package after a full scale, independent study has been undertaken into the efficacy, value for money, environmental and climate impact of CCUS which considers the transition to renewables and other carbon sequestering initiatives such as tree planting, peat bog restoration and aquatic solutions.

WEST FIFE & COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH, GRANTOWN & DISTRICT BRANCH, BEARSDEN SOUTH BRANCH, UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH, CLLR IAN GALLAGHER, AVONDALE BRANCH

Agenda Sunday 9 October

Session 4

14h00 Address by John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery

14h15 Resolutions

15h00 Topical and Emergency Resolutions

15h25 President’s Prize

15h30 Close

15 INDEPENDENCE PRINCIPLES - BUILDING OUR CIVIC MOVEMENT

Conference supports work being undertaken to establish a new civic independence campaign organisation incorporating progressive political parties and pro-independence organisations; and agrees that any stakeholder or organisation involved must adhere to a code of conduct built on the principles of freedom, tolerance, equality, the protection of individual and community rights and the rejection of prejudice and discrimination in any form.

Conference therefore supports the adoption of a code of conduct such as that produced by a range of bodies including the Aberdeen Independence Movement and a similar code drafted by Believe in Scotland and would wish to see all organisations involved in the YES campaign - including the SNPadhering to such a code of conduct in all of our campaigning for independence.

MICHAEL RUSSELL (PRESIDENT), KAREN ADAM MSP, PORTSOY BRANCH, ALYN SMITH MP, HANNAH BARDELL MP, PETE WISHART MP, GRAEME DEY MSP, TONY GIUGLIANO (POLICY DEVELOPMENT CONVENER), CLLR GRAHAM CAMPBELL (BAME CONVENER), CLLR SIOBHAN TOLLAND (NEC REGIONAL MEMBER)

16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BALLOT PAPER ORDERING

Conference notes that across the four local authority elections since the introduction of STV in 2007 that when any party nominates two candidates in a ward, and only one of those candidates is elected, it is more than five times more likely that the candidate elected will be the higher placed one on the ballot paper. Conference further notes that the positional advantage has not diminished as voters and parties get to know the electoral system.

Conference recalls that 81% of respondents to the Scottish Government’s 2018 Consultation on Electoral Reform supported changing the way candidate names are listed on local election ballot papers to counteract the list order effect. Conference regrets that opportunities to introduce individual ballot paper randomisation, or to reverse the order on every second ballot paper, have not been implemented.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to revisit the question of ballot paper ordering and to legislate to ensure that the list order effect is substantially reduced at the next local authority elections, with appropriate accessibility mechanisms in place, including the availability of an alphabetic ballot paper should a disabled voter require it.

DUNDEE CITY WEST CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

17 HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PACKAGE

Conference notes that those residing in the Highlands and Islands face excessive travel costs due to lack of effective infrastructure. Conference further notes this issue is exacerbated further by poor connectivity in terms of both broadband and mobile phone coverage despite being more than a third of the total land area of Scotland.

Conference adds that other Nordic nations face similar challenges for their rural and island communities and have taken innovative measures to address the challenges such as undersea tunnels, regional broadband agreements as well as expanding transport infrastructure.

Conference praises the work of the European Union in redressing regional inequalities via structural funds for members. Conference expresses frustration that despite the needs of Highland and Island communities, the UK’s levelling-up fund falls far short of the support previously received by the EU.

Conference resolves to support the needs of the Highlands and Islands communities through the creation of a Highlands and Islands Infrastructure Investment Package focused on improving connectivity and ease of travel throughout the region.

LONDON BRANCH

Agenda Sunday 9 October

Session 5 – Internal

18 AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION – NATIONAL COUNCIL

In Paragraph 4.1(h) after “National Conference” insert “, National Council”.

In Paragraphs 5.3, 7.4, 19.1(f), 21.1(d), 35.1, 35.3, 36.1, 36.3, 38.3, 29.1, 40.3, 43.2 and 43.5 (in both places where it occurs) after “National Conference” insert “or National Council”.

In Paragraph 11.5 after “National Conference,” insert “National Council,”

Replace Paragraph 19.1(a) with “meets at least two times a year”.

In Paragraph 20.5 delete “on at least one other occasion a year”.

After Paragraph 20 insert—

21 National Council

21.1 National Council is the governing and policy-making body of the Party between meetings of National Conference.

21.2 National Council is composed of—

(a) eight delegates from each Constituency Branch;

(b) two delegates from other Branches;

(c) two delegates from each Constituency Association;

(d) the National Office Bearers;

(e) the regional members of the National Executive Committee; (f) the members of the Policy Development Committee;

(g) the members of the Conferences Committee;

(h) all parliamentarians who are members of a parliamentary group;

(i) all councillors who are members of a Council Group;

(j) six delegates from each Affiliated Organisation.

21.3 Branches, Constituency Associations and Affiliated Organisations are expected to gender balance their delegates to National Council.

21.4 National Council meets at least three times a year.

21.5 The quorum for National Council is 150 delegates.

In Paragraph 22.1, 22.1(a), 22.1(e), 31.1(b), 31.1(c) and 31.1(l) after “National Conference” insert “and National Council”.

In Paragraph 29(b) after “National Executive Committee” insert “, National Council”.

In Paragraph 31.1 after “is” insert “the governing and policy-making body of the Party between meetings of National Conference and National Council and is, in particular,”

And renumber and reletter all paragraphs accordingly.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AMENDMENT

Delete the fourth and fifth paragraphs.

Replace the amendment to Paragraph 21.2 of the constitution with— (a) two delegates from each Branch; (b) two delegates from each Constituency Association; (c) the National Office Bearers;

(d) the ordinary members of the National Executive Committee who are parliamentarians;

(e) the regional members of the National Executive Committee;

(f) the members of the Policy Development Committee;

(g) the members of the Conferences Committee;

(h) five members of the Scottish Parliament elected by the Scottish Parliament Group;

(i) two members of the UK Parliament elected by the UK Parliament Group; (j) six councillors elected by the Association of Nationalist Councillors; (k) six delegates from each Affiliated Organisation.

In the amendment to Paragraph 21.4 of the constitution, replace “three times” with “twice”.

WEST COASTAL

Agenda Sunday 9 October

19 DISINFORMATION AND THE 2023 INDEPENDENCE CAMPAIGN

Conference notes that disinformation has emerged as a critical issue in global politics over the last decade, with concerns about increased interference in the public sphere by undemocratic and bad-faith actors.

Conference further notes that with the announcement of a new independence referendum campaign, it is essential that we work to uphold the legitimacy of our democratic institutions, including the capacity for open and reasoned debate, and to prevent interference from undemocratic forces at this critical juncture in our history.

Conference believes our members have a crucial role to play in preventing the deliberate spread of disinformation in public debate.

Conference acknowledges that disinformation is a complex problem that requires more than one approach to address. Conference therefore resolves to develop and implement information resilience training to be made available to all members.

Conference therefore expects members of the Scottish National Party not to knowingly redistribute disinformation on matters of public import in digital, print or media form.

Disinformation is defined here as deliberately misleading, biased or altogether false information, knowingly shared to distort and manipulate public debate and/or to discredit democratic institutions and processes.

For misleading, biased or false information to be classified as disinformation, the false material disseminated has to be spread with deliberate intent to deceive. Unintentional spread of false information, satire, and subjective opinion are therefore not considered disinformation and are not subject to disciplinary action under this clause.

Examples of disinformation include, but are not limited to:

• deep fakes, falsified photos, counterfeit websites,

• shortened citations that exclude vital context,

• faulty statistics,

• conspiracy theories.

20 AMENDMENT TO RULES ON CONDUCT AND PROCEDURE OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE - POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Conference believes that members make policy – and that all resolutions must secure the support of at least one Branch or other “group notifiable body” as defined by the Rules on Conduct and Procedure of National Conference.

Conference further believes that the directly elected Policy Development Committee should be able to formally submit resolutions as per other ‘group notifiable bodies’.

In the Rules on Conduct and Procedure of National Conference

Replace 2.2 with

2.2

(i) Branches, Constituency Associations, Affiliated Organisations, Members’ Interest Groups, SNP Parliamentary Groups, SNP Council Groups, the National Executive Committee, and the Policy Development Committee shall be deemed to be ‘group notifiable bodies’.

(ii) National Office Bearers, Members of the National Executive Committee, Members of the Policy Development Committee, Parliamentarians, and Councillors shall be deemed to be ‘individual notifiable bodies’.

Replace 3.1 with

3.1 Resolutions, amendments and nominations for National Conference may be proposed by ‘group notifiable bodies’. Resolutions and amendments proposed by a ‘group notifiable body’ may also be supported by ‘individual notifiable bodies’. All resolutions and amendments must be proposed by at least one ‘group notifiable body’.

In 3.3 replace 3.1 with 2.2 KIRSTEEN FRASER (EQUALITIES CONVENER), TONI GIUGLIANO (POLICY DEVELOPMENT CONVENER)

Agenda Sunday 9 October

21 ELECTION CAMPAIGN TOOLS FOR BRANCHES

Conference notes the successful outcomes for the SNP of the campaigns for the Holyrood and local government elections in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Conference believes however that the campaigning tools available to Branches and activists are at risk of becoming out of date and that action is needed to invest in and update our campaigning infrastructure in order to prepare for a successful independence referendum.

Conference understands that the adoption and roll-out of Activate as our core campaigning tool has contributed to making the SNP the most successful political party in Europe, but notes however that in the almost two decades since then, the election battleground has changed significantly; social media and the availability of powerful personal technology such as smartphones have transformed political communications; and our political opponents have invested heavily in their own voter ID and communications tools.

Conference believes that in order to ensure we win the next independence referendum, the party needs to review and refresh core aspects of our campaigning infrastructure, including:

• how we understand the political battleground, and how we segment voters to deliver compelling messages that address each group directly

• how we integrate the “air war” on social and traditional media with the “ground war” of campaigning

• how we do our GOTV and differential turnout work on polling day

• how we make proper use of smartphones, QR codes and other technological innovations

Conference therefore instructs NEC to order an urgent and comprehensive review of the SNP’s campaigning infrastructure and to identify and commit the necessary resources required to ensure that our activists have the most effective modern campaigning tools at their disposal as we work to win Scotland’s independence in the forthcoming referendum.

GLASGOW CATHCART CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

22 IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER

Conference notes that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Scotland went online and used Social Media to stay in touch with our friends and family. In 2021 the people of Scotland voted in the Scottish Parliament elections. It was impossible to run a traditional campaign due to Covid. Instead, Social Media played a huge role in getting information out about our candidates and in the record breaking victory the SNP had in those elections.

Conference encourages all Branches to adopt an optional role of Social Media Officer, to be added to the Branch office bearers positions elected at every AGM. It is important to keep active on Social Media platforms. Headquarters shall enable access to the membership list and the email system on MySNP for such officers if Branches choose to appoint them.

The Social Media Officer can engage with the members directly to involve them in Social Media activities. The party shall develop a social media policy and training programme for Social Media Officers to ensure they are adequately equipped to make the best use of Social Media to promote the Party’s aims.

PENTLANDS WEST BRANCH, LONDON BRANCH, FALKIRK SOUTH BRANCH, PETERHEAD BRANCH, EAST KILBRIDE CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, UDDINGSTON AND BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, EASTWOOD CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

23 COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR INDEPENDENCE

Now that the First Minister has publicly declared her intention to conduct a second Independence Referendum during 2023, Conference urges the Party Centre to produce informative, inspiring and timely information to Branches to enable activists to engage the public in informed pro-independence conversations.

Conference acknowledges and applauds the many informed individuals that can effectively communicate the case for independence but recognises that all activists should be equally informed and enabled to present the case for independence as one voice across the whole of Scotland.

Conference calls for the Party Centre to ensure Branches are provided with the latest policies, initiatives and materials to present a convincing case in the build up to the 2023 referendum on Scottish Independence.

BRECHIN BRANCH, STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH, ANGUS NORTH & MEARNS CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION

Agenda Monday 10 October

Session 6

10h30 Delivering in Government Panel Session

Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care

10h55 Resolutions

12h15 Close

24 RAISING THE FORMAL SCHOOL-START AGE

Conference recognises the body of international evidence in favour of play-based early years education. Active, social play is children’s natural learning drive and helps develop physical fitness, social skills, cognitive capacities and personal qualities such as creativity, problemsolving, self-regulation and emotional resilience. Conference notes that children in European countries who attend play-based kindergarten till six or seven enjoy higher levels of health and wellbeing.

Conference further notes that Scotland and the UK are outliers in Europe in starting formal education at four or five, and acknowledges that since international PISA comparisons began, countries with later school starting ages have performed better than those with earlier starts. On the other hand, an early start to formal education is linked to the development of social, emotional and mental health problems.

Conference expresses concern at the rise in mental health problems in children in Scotland over the past decade, and acknowledges the views of parents, teachers, early years experts, health professionals and campaign groups like Upstart Scotland, who believe that children under six should not face the pressures and structures of the formal school system. In order to succeed in closing the attainment gap, early years education must be based on relationshipcentred, child-led, play-based environments with a greater focus on outdoor learning.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to introduce a statutory play-based kindergarten stage for three to six year olds – similar to early years education in Nordic countries – and raise the formal school starting age to six. This will provide a true level playing field for all of Scotland’s children, giving every child time to develop the skills and capacities that underpin educational success, improve long-term outcomes and give every child the best start in life.

TONI GIUGLIANO (POLICY DEVELOPMENT CONVENER), UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL BRANCH, MEARNS BRANCH

AMENDMENT

Add at end: “Conference notes that some of the most successful nations in educational league tables do not start formal schooling until seven and therefore resolves that the Scottish Government should keep the option of subsequently transitioning to a starting age of seven if the evidence gathered in introducing a starting age of six warrants such a further change.”

WEST FIFE & COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH

25 FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Conference commends the Scottish Government on its renewed commitment to expanding the provision of universal Free School Meals, with all children in Primary 1 – 5 now benefitting from this policy and coverage due to be extended to Primary 6 – 7. Conference further welcomes the leadership shown by some Councils in promoting initiatives such as school breakfast clubs, and reaffirms the SNP’s commitment to roll out free school breakfasts all year round to primary pupils.

Conference calls on the Scottish Government to work closely with Councils in delivering these transformative policy commitments as quickly as practicably possible, and to ensure that local authorities are fully funded to do so.

Conference further recalls the SNP’s 2022 local government manifesto, which affirmed that all SNP councillors will have helping people with the cost of living as their top priority over the course of this council term. Council notes that existing Free School Meal provision can save families £400 per child per year and considers further extending free school meals to be a vital opportunity to help households with the rising cost of living.

Conference therefore requests that the Scottish Government develop plans to extend the planned increase in universal Free School Meal and free breakfast provision to all secondary school pupils, in addition to primary pupils, and that it engage with COSLA and local authorities with a view to delivering on this aspiration.

DUNDEE CITY WEST CONSTITUENCY BRANCH

Agenda Monday 10 October

26 TAX AND THE LIVING WAGE

Conference believes that the Tax system should be fair to all and that; No one should pay until they can afford to and all who can afford to should pay a fair share. Conference recognises the current challenges facing Scottish families particularly those on low incomes and believes that the time has come to make substantial changes to Income Tax in Scotland.

Conference believes that the burden of the cost of living crisis is falling most heavily on those least able to bear it and that it is the right that those least able to cope receive support.

Therefore, Conference agrees that the Party adopts a policy of introducing a nominal tax rate between the current UK Tax threshold and the equivalent of Full Timer earnings on the Living Wage, effectively lifting those below this level out of Income Tax. In addition the Tax Threshold in subsequent years should continue to rise in line with changes to the Living Wage.

Furthermore, Conference resolves that the starting point for all Tax Bands should also rise in line with changes to the Living wage to address Fiscal Drag, to maintain the fairness of the system.

Conference accepts that a Revenue Neutral approach means that if fewer pay Income Tax then Tax Rates for those earning above the new Threshold will rise but this can be done fairly, while insuring that Income Tax is reduced for the majority of Scots.

The details of how this is achieved should be at the discretion of Scottish Ministers and shall not restrict their ability to make other, non-revenue neutral, adjustments to the tax code as they see fit.

Conference believes that the current cost of living crisis is causing real and immediate harm to the vulnerable in Scotland and that we should wait no longer to use the powers available to us to protect them.

DINGWALL & DISTRICT BRANCH

27 PAID MENSTRUAL LEAVE

Conference notes that currently there is no legislation which allows individuals to take time off work due to period pain. This is despite significant evidence of conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis which can leave sufferers in severe pain, which makes it difficult - if not impossible - to work, care or socialise with others.

Conference notes the success of the Scottish Government in being the first government to introduce free period products for all and resolves to support other measures which support women in the workplace.

Conference believes that individuals should not be penalised for situations beyond their control and help should be provided to those suffering from extreme pain.

Conference notes with interest proposals by the Spanish Government to introduce paid menstrual leave as part of a wider package of reproductive results. Conference adds that such a policy has already been implemented in countries including Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia.

Conference therefore resolves to adopt a similar policy of paid menstrual leave in an independent Scotland for those experiencing severe period pain.

LONDON BRANCH

AMENDMENT

Replace “leave sufferers in severe pain, which makes” in the first paragraph with “cause sufferers extreme pain and other extreme symptoms, which make it”.

Insert at the end of the third paragraph “and other debilitating symptoms.”

Replace the final word of the final paragraph with “symptoms”.

WEST FIFE & COASTAL VILLAGES BRANCH

Agenda Monday 10 October

28 NEONATAL CARE (LEAVE AND PAY) BILL

Conference notes that thousands of parents of premature and sick babies are currently forced to choose between going to work or being with their baby in hospital, and that with only two weeks of paternity leave available, many fathers and non-birthing parents return to work long before their babies are well enough to go home.

Conference further recognises the inflexibility of UK Parental Leave Laws, which is exacerbated when a baby requires neonatal care.

Conference therefore welcomes the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill at Westminster, which would ensure all parents of premature and sick babies are entitled to additional paid maternity and paternity leave while their babies are in neonatal care, and which would benefit thousands of families each year.

Conference further notes that the Scottish Government could build upon present statutory protections, as part of a suite of parental leave provision in an independent Scotland.

BEARSDEN SOUTH BRANCH, CLLR IAN GALLAGHER, RONA MACKAY MSP, CLLR LYNDA WILLIAMSON, CLLR GILLIAN RENWICK, CLLR MALCOLM MITCHELL, CLLR COLM MERRICK, CLLR JORDAN LINDEN, CLLR MICHELLE CAMPBELL, YOUNG SCOTS FOR INDEPENDENCE

Session 7

14h00 Resolutions

14h55 Topical and Emergency Resolutions

15h15 Address by Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Party Leader and First Minister of Scotland

16h00 Close

29 END PENSIONER POVERTY

Conference condemns the Westminster benefits system which fails to ensure those who qualify for pension credit actually receive it leaving so many Scottish older people destitute.

Conference recognises that many older people in Scotland who are eligible to claim Pension Credit are failing to do.

New figures released by the UK Government (Feb 2022) show that at least 120,000 older people in Scotland who were entitled to receive Pension Credit didn’t claim it in the financial year 2019 to 2020.

An estimated 1 in 4 pensioners in Scotland who qualify for Pension Credit don’t claim this benefit aimed at boosting weekly incomes.

Women, part time and low paid workers are particularly vulnerable to poverty after retirement.

Conference recognises that many older people are too proud to claim this benefit and that many who are entitled to this benefit don’t know about it or know how to claim it.

Conference believes that all older people are entitled to dignity in later life.

Conference therefore calls for an Independent Scotland to have a welfare system which ensures all older people have an adequate basic income by right which does not require them to make complex and confusing additional claims.

Agenda Monday 10 October

In the meantime, Conference further calls on the UK government to agree that given the extraordinary circumstances of the time we are living through, the £650 Cost of Living Payment awarded to those in receipt of Passport Benefits including Pension Credit - as of 25 May 2022 - should be used as an incentive to apply for PC and urges the UK government to extend the eligibility date to 31 March 2023 so that all those who successfully apply for PC by that date will also receive the £650 grant. Conference believes this will not only target those most in need but will also ensure a significant increase in the number of people applying.

WEST DUMFRIES BRANCH, BEARSDEN SOUTH BRANCH, GRANTOWN & DISTRICT BRANCH, UDDINGSTON & BELLSHILL CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, EASTWOOD CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, STONEHAVEN & MEARNS BRANCH, CLLR IAN GALLAGHER, AVONDALE BRANCH, GLASGOW PROVAN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, ANNE MCLAUGHLIN MP, CLLR GRAHAM CAMPBELL (BAME CONVENER), GALLOWAY AND WEST DUMFRIES CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION

30 PROTECTING ENERGY USERS ON PRE-PAYMENT METERS

Conference calls on all energy companies to agree that nobody will be disconnected from their energy supply for being in arrears, and insists that this includes those on pre payment meters who are considered to be self-disconnecting if they cannot feed the meter.

Conference notes that a significant proportion of the money paid by users into prepayment meters is for Standing Charges and that the cost per KWH is already higher than for other consumers.

Conference demands that whatever the logistics, solutions are found that do not include anyone on these islands being cut off from their supply because of financial hardship, and calls on governments to play their part in ensuring this happens while asserting that in an energy rich Independent Scotland nobody will have to choose between eating and heating.

GLASGOW PROVAN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, ANNE MCLAUGHLIN MP, CLLR GRAHAM CAMPBELL (BAME CONVENER)

31 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM

Conference welcomes the strong electoral performance of the Scottish National Party in the recent local election and notes that the this is the best result which the party has ever had at a local election.

Conference acknowledges the important role which local government plays in the delivery of services and local decision making which affect the daily lives of our citizens and their communities.

Conference believes that the structures which support local government must be constantly reviewed to ensure they meet the changing needs and demands of local communities and ensure that every voice is heard.

Conference also believes that local government and local representatives should have the same status as their colleagues in national government and that a change in political culture is required to achieve this.

Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to convene a new steering group, tasked with bringing forward proposals for local government reform, with an emphasis on the following areas:

• Local democracy

• The de-centralisation of powers

• Local government funding

• Support and remuneration for local representatives

GLASGOW KELVIN CONSTITUENCY BRANCH, BEARSDEN NORTH BRANCH