Scotland is entering a new era in public life. The last decade has been dominated by the aftermath and consequences of two major constitutional events: the Scottish independence referendum and Brexit. Now, it is time for a revamped national conversation about the lessons of that period, and our ambitions for the future. And, as we navigate a changing world, Scotland is not immune from the consequences of polarisation and political alienation. That is why we are collaborating to create an arena of informed discussion and debate, going beyond the constitutional binary and much else. So, join us for what promises to be a fascinating day as we reflect, imagine and learn together.
A Scottish Spring Building a 21st Century Democracy – Programme
10:30am-11:30am Opening Plenary | Building Bridges: Polarisation and democracy in the 21st Century
Willie Sullivan, ERS Senior Director, in conversation with Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy
11:45am-12:15pm | Public opinion: What does Scotland think and feel?
Mark Diffley provides an overview of Scottish public opinion, revealing exclusive polling commissioned for the conference
1:15pm-2:15pm | Scotland after 2014: Beyond the Constitutional Binary?
Dr Lynn Bennie, co-author of Parties, Movements and the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum: Explaining the Post-Referendum Party Membership Surges.
Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP
Katy Clark, Labour MSP
Speeches followed by Q and A
2:15pm-3:15pm | A People’s Parliament? Devolution, Civic Scotland and Local Democracy
Esther Roberton, former Coordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention
Alison Payne, Research Director, Reform Scotland Think Tank
Craig Dalzell, Research Director, Common Weal
Pauline Smith, Development Trusts Association Scotland
Question Time style format
3:30pm-4:30pm | Cultures of consensus: Engagement, Debate and Action
Mark Drakeford, Former First Minister of Wales
Eddie Barnes, Director, John Smith Centre.
Lena Swedlow, Compass Campaigns Manager.
Book tickets