Just weeks away from the Holyrood elections on May 7th, the Scottish Greens have set out their approach to independence, backed by Zack Polanski on the campaign trail.
Having worked previously in partnership over the years, the Scottish Nationalist Party and Greens have a similar line of sight when it comes to Scottish independence, however, the Greens have a different idea of how they would start a fresh indy ref campaign.
Scottish independence isn’t a foreign concept, with Scotland having formally been an independent kingdom until the personal union with the kingdom of England in 1603 and the forming of Great Britain in 1707. Prior to these unions Scotland had fought wars to maintain their independence, and continues to fight for its return to this day.
Campaigns for self-governance in Scotland have taken place since the 19th century, resulting in devolution under the Scottish Parliament being established in 1999.Scotland’s ‘once in a lifetime’ independence referendum took place on the 18th of September 2014. The question, proposed “Should Scotland be an independent country?” The outcome saw 2,001,926 (55.3%) Scots vote against independence choosing to remain under Westminster’s control. Only 1,617,989 (44.7%) Scots voted for independence.
Despite the referendum’s disappointing outcome for the SNP and then first minister, Alex Salmond, it saw the biggest turnout (84.6%) for a UK referendum or election since the 1910 general election. The YesScotland campaign group formed in 2012, saw the majority of pro-independence campaigning in the run up to the referendum and was described as “the biggest grassroots movement in Scottish political history” by their chief executive.
With over ten years since the referendum took place, the Scottish National Party feel its time Scotland gets another say, particularly following on from the Brexit referendum in 2016, which saw Scottish citizens vote overwhelmingly (62%) to remain in the European Union. It’s argued that Brexit was a light switch moment for those against independence, turning a new ear to the nationalist argument.
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon originally proposed the 19th of October 2023 as the date for a second Indy Ref; however, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom ruled that the Scottish Parliament did not have the power to legislate for a second referendum.
At the launch of their Holyrood 2026 manifesto in Glasgow, the SNP outlined their aims for Scottish independence. They announced plans for a second referendum in 2028, 14 years on from the ‘once in a lifetime’ event. Another Westminster rejection of this would be seen as “a fundamental affront to democracy” by Swinney.
Devolution in the United Kingdom has allowed for Scotland to be granted statutory delegation of powers, this therefore allows the Scottish Government to make changes and decisions on issues related to Scotland rather than the whole of the country. Westminster however, remains in control of reserved matters, such as defence and foreign policy.
As of current, the Scottish Government has full control over the following devolved issues –
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
- Consumer advocacy and advice
- Economic development
- Education and training
- Elections to the Scottish Parliament and local government
- Environment
- Fire services
- Freedom of information
- Health and social services
- Housing
- Justice and policing
- Local government
- Planning
- Sport and the arts
- Tourism
They also have partial control, split with Westminster over benefits, energy, taxation, transport and equality legislation. Under independence brought by the SNP, Scotland would have full control of all these issues. The Scottish Greens ‘bold three-point independence’ plan would involve making a ‘bold and effective’ use of the devolved powers that Holyrood currently has.
Outlining this plan in January, Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, state that the Scottish Government could tackle Scotland’s current issues such as reduction in bills, protecting the environment, as well as working to redistribute wealth & power by making full use of these powers. The Greens plan states, ‘One example given is fixing the funding problems faced by schools and social care services by scrapping and replacing the broken Council Tax system.’
The Greens argue that this route to independence creates a stronger and more substantial argument for independence than at current. By exhausting Scotland’s limits and reforming Holyrood to fairer and more equally represent the nation, the Scottish public would see and experience first hand, the benefits of a self-governing Scotland.
Launching their manifesto on the 14th of April for the 2026 Holyrood election, the Scottish Greens begin section 27 ‘Independence and Democracy’ by stating “Scotland should be an independent country’. The party believes that Scottish independence is more than a destination, it is an opportunity to create a ‘fairer, greener and kinder’ Scotland.
They cite fourteen years of Conservative government and austerity, combined with Labour’s “shift to the right” as proof Scotland must be allowed to seek a different future and have another opportunity to ‘choose a different path’.
Alongside their initial announced independence plan, their manifesto states that the Scottish Greens would, “Initiate the Section 30 process in the Scotland Act to call for the devolution of the remaining powers reserved to Westminster, including power over taxation, workers’ rights, energy regulation, migration, and foreign affairs.” As well as pressing for the Scottish Parliament to ‘be ambitious and legislate’ in current areas where the Scotland Act is open to interpretation regarding devolved and reserved powers.
The Greens say this would include driving up pay and conditions for workers, as well as taxing wealth.
On Thursday the 23rd of April, Scottish Greens leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay were joined by The Green Party of England and Wales leader, Zack Polanski. Marking his first appearance on the Scottish campaign trail Polanski voiced his views on Scottish independence saying he would back independence if he was Scottish. He recently hit out at UK health secretary, Wes Streeting for his comments about indolence adding that it is outrageous and undemocratic for a ‘pro-independence’ parliament to not be allowed a second independence referendum.
At a press conference in Glasgow on the 24th alongside the Scottish leaders, Zack Polanski acknowledged his position as an English politician and his lack of place to make recommendations in Scottish politics, linking back to his words on Wes Streeting. He went on to describe Scotland’s independence movement as ‘unstoppable’ while also speaking about the movement’s growing appearance in Wales.
Referencing Scotland’s long history of independence campaigning and growing yes polls, he also described Westminster’s hold on Scotland as “having a house party and your guests tell you they really don’t want to be there, but you’ve locked the doors”.
The latest polls ahead of the election in just under two weeks time, puts the Scottish Greens within touching distance of replacing the Scottish Conservatives’ and Scottish Labour’s shadow cabinet hold, and becoming the main opposition party.
Since April 2025 the party has seen a surge in new members, reaching a record breaking 10,000 in March 2026. The same has been seen with The Green Party of England and Wales under the leadership of Zack Polanski.
An Ipsos poll published on the 23rd of April shows the SNP as the most favourable party in Scotland, 37% favourable, with the Scottish Greens coming in second with 29% favourability. Reform UK and The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party remain at the bottom of the chart, proving most unfavourable amongst the Scottish public.
Polling stations across Scotland will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday May 7th with all postal votes to be received before 10pm that day.
