The Path Forward:

If we want independence to be real — not rhetorical — then we must start building it. That means more than demanding permission. It means preparing the nation, educating the public, and laying the democratic and legal foundations of a sovereign state.

The path to independence does not begin in Westminster.

It begins with the people.

It begins with a constitution.

And it moves forward with one clear message:

We are sovereign — and we are ready.

The Mandate Comes First

We must return a majority of pro-independence MSPs in the 2026 Holyrood election. That is the democratic mandate required — not a referendum blocked by Westminster, but a vote in our own national parliament, by our own people, under our own sovereignty.

Before that election, we will call on pro-independence parties to publicly endorse the people’s constitution. This isn’t about party platforms — it’s about national purpose.

We want the public to walk into the next election knowing what independence will look like — with the constitution, the declaration, and the civic framework already in their hands.

Step One: Drafting and Refining the Constitution

The constitution is the foundation — and the Scottish people are its authors.

Through Scotland’s Future, the first full working draft has been written — and now it must be refined by civic society, legal scholars, activists, communities, and the public at large. This is not a closed document. It is a living national project.

We are launching a national listening campaign — with town halls, local events, and a public roadshow — to gather ideas, critique, and contributions.

The final constitution will not be a wish list. It will be a binding document — a lawful framework for a sovereign country, reflecting the values of the people who live here.

Step Two: Establishing the People’s Assembly

We will establish a Preliminary People’s Parliament — a civic chamber not bound by devolution, but drawn from Scottish civil society, legal experts, citizen voices, and national consensus.

This Assembly will:

• Finalise and adopt the constitution
• Draft a Declaration of Sovereignty
• Define its own legal remit and transitional authority
• Act as a preparatory democratic body for full statehood
• Provide a space for Holyrood to step into — not imposed from outside, but created from within

Its authority will be rooted in popular sovereignty and international legal principles of self-determination. We will also invite Scottish legal academics, constitutional scholars, and public servants to help shape its standing and legitimacy.

This is not symbolic — it is practical, lawful, and essential.

Step Three: A Legal and Civic Framework

We will prepare a full transition plan, including:

• A Declaration of Sovereignty, based in Scottish and international law
• Legal analysis and frameworks to define Scotland’s right to self-determination
• Civic materials explaining the constitution in clear, accessible terms
• Collaboration with legal experts and experienced campaigners
• Crowdfunded public resources, literature, and outreach

Just like the White Paper of 2014, this will be the reference point — but this time, backed by a full constitution, not just policy proposals.

Step Four: A United Movement with a Clear Message

This must be a movement for everyone who believes in self-government. The SNP, Alba, Greens, Salvo, Liberation Scotland, Common Weal, Believe in Scotland, All Under One Banner, and every grassroots Yes group — this is a moment for unity, not division.

We will educate the public on what sovereignty really means — that power flows from the people, not the crown or parliament. And we will remind everyone: Scotland doesn’t need permission to be free — only the will to act like it already is.

Step Five: Bringing It to the People

Once the constitution is finalised and the people’s assembly convened, we will:

• Publish the constitution nationally
• Launch a People’s Roadshow across Scotland
• Invite public ratification by recognition, not referendum
• Use this democratic action as a signal — to ourselves and the world — that Scotland has declared its readiness

This isn’t about permission. It’s about legitimacy. A people acting as a nation are a nation.

Step Six: Transition to Sovereign Governance

If a majority of MSPs are elected in 2026 on a pro-independence platform, and the people have endorsed the constitution, we will:

• Present the constitution as the lawful framework for independence
• Invite Holyrood to step into the Preliminary People’s Parliament
• Begin formal transition to full independence — not by decree, but by democratic will

No delay. No veto. No retreat. Regardless of Holyrood‘s decision to step into the chair or not, in 2026 the people will make their voices clear and we will be ready.

Final Word

This movement is not waiting for a green light.

We, the people, are the green light.

The constitution is the framework.

The people are the source.

The election is the mandate.

The Assembly is the vessel.

And the time — is now.