The Preliminary People’s Assembly: Purpose, and Path Ahead

Because Scotland’s current political institutions — bound by devolution and Westminster’s control — are not equipped to deliver independence on their own. Holyrood cannot call a referendum or declare independence without Westminster’s permission. And that permission will not come.

That’s why a new democratic space must be created — one that reflects the sovereign will of the Scottish people, independent of UK institutions, and capable of leading the transition to independence.

This space is the Preliminary People’s Assembly.

What Is It?

The Preliminary People’s Assembly is a transitional civic parliament created by and for the people of Scotland. It is not a symbolic gesture. It is a real body with a clear purpose:

• To represent the sovereign will of the Scottish people
• To finalise and ratify the constitution
• To prepare for legal, democratic independence
• To offer a structure that Holyrood can step into once the people have delivered a mandate

It is a lawful and necessary step to bridge the gap between the people’s sovereignty and the formal powers of government.

Why Now?

Because devolution has reached its limit.

Because Westminster will not grant a referendum.

Because Holyrood will not act without a majority mandate and a public declaration of readiness.

This is where the people step in.

Just as the 1989 Scottish Constitutional Convention laid the groundwork for the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament, this Assembly will do the same — but for a fully independent state.

The Process Leading Up to It

1. Writing the Constitution: A full working draft is already underway and available for public contribution. It is being built to reflect Scotland’s values, identity, and sovereignty.
2. Listening to the People: A national listening campaign — town halls, events, and direct feedback — ensures the people help shape this document.
3. Finalising the Framework: Once the draft is reviewed and amended with public and expert input, it will be ratified by the civic and political bodies aligned with independence.
4. Establishing the Assembly: Civic leaders, constitutional scholars, public figures, grassroots organisers, and community delegates will form the Assembly. It will have:

• An agreed remit and transitional authority

• Procedures for operation and legal advice

• A public-facing chamber that can engage both domestically and internationally

The 2026 Election and After

The next Scottish Parliamentary election is critical.

If the people return a majority of pro-independence MSPs, then that becomes a lawful, democratic mandate — not for another delay, but for action.

At that point:

• The People’s Constitution will already exist
• The Preliminary Assembly will already be active
• And Holyrood can either take on the responsibility or cede it to the people

This Assembly gives a prepared and legitimate democratic body for Holyrood to step into — immediately, lawfully, and without waiting for UK permission.

If not, the people will be able to step in and take on the responsibility. With the backing of our best minds, political figures and a mandate given by the people, we can move to the international community for recognition and send negotiators to Westminster.

Why It Matters

Without the Preliminary People’s Assembly, there is no clear democratic body outside devolution that can act once a mandate is secured.

It provides:

• Continuity of government and democratic legitimacy
• A lawful bridge from the UK framework to an independent state
• International credibility by showing self-determination in action
• Accountability, because it’s built transparently with civic input and public oversight

Who Will Be Involved?

The Assembly will be composed of:

• Civic delegates
• Legal scholars
• Youth representatives
• Activists and grassroots leaders
• Experts in constitutional and international law
• Nominated voices from marginalised and underrepresented groups

It is open — not closed. Public-facing — not elite. Provisional — but foundational.

Summary

• We are writing the constitution now
• We are inviting the people to shape it
• We will create a civic parliament to carry it forward
• We will return a pro-independence majority in 2026
• We will offer the Scottish Parliament a sovereign space to govern from — based not on permission, but on the will of the people

This is not theory. It is practice.