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You get the feeling that 2014 was the chance for Independence. Since then the SNP have looked at the options and worked out that they can have 45-50 MPs for years to come, and dominate Holyrood forever. Good jobs for career politicians.

They don't want to lead an indy movement because that would compromise the above.

So, instead we get the carrot a referendum dangled every few months.

But Yes groups are starting to see the light and are either folding or mothballing their activities.

Support for Indy is static at best.

I'm pretty pessimistic about it ever happening now.

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As a Scot in England my visits home (many SNP supporters) leave me feeling the independence movement is dominated by an anti-Tory sentiment (which is also anti a certain stereotype of the English) that Cameron and Johnson encapsulated well. I’ve seen it in action in ‘street politics’ and it’s ugly. The same thing as English nationalists who bad mouth the sweaties/jocks (heard that in bars!)

This populist vector is a huge mistake for independence movement. It can be neither anti Tory or English to build a genuine base.

Additionally, a ‘progressive’ independence movement will always fail. In many respects Scotland is a very conservative place. Independence must be a case beyond progressivism or conservatism.

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Having read this incisive piece, I will be interested to read what the candidates for the first minister position set out as their aims and objectives. I am very sad there is no strong socialist pro independence party in Scotland.

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Agree with this absolutely.

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