A Scottish Spring: Building a Democracy fit for the 21st Century

A one-day conference on Scottish democracy

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. That is why we are collaborating to create an arena of informed discussion and debate, going beyond the constitutional binary and much else.

• How can we take the debate about Scotland’s constitutional future forward in an inclusive and constructive way?
• How can we enhance and encourage a culture of debate and consensus building?
• After 25 years of devolution, what next for the Scottish Parliament?
• What is the role of civic Scotland in politics and society today?
• How can local democracy be more responsive to local communities?
• How can we overcome performative policy, and address the implementation gap?

Speakers

• Mark Drakeford, Former First Minister of Wales
• Willie Sullivan, Senior Director ERS Scotland
• Esther Roberton, former Coordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention
• Professor Nicola McEwan, Director of the Centre for Public Policy
• Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP
• Alison Payne, Research Director Reform Scotland
• Mark Diffley, Polling expert and Director Diffley Partnership
• Katy Clark, Labour MSP
• Craig Dalzell, Head of Policy and Research, Common Weal
• Pauline Smith, Development Trusts Association Scotland
• Eddie Barnes, Director John Smith Centre
• Lena Swedlow, Compass
• Dr Lynn Bennie, co-author of Parties, Movements and the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum: Explaining the Post-Referendum Party Membership Surges