We oppose the continued existence of the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland'. The Unionist and monarchist constitution denies both popular
sovereignity (i.e. 'people power') and the right of the constituent nations to
self-determination. 'Parliamentary sovereignity' is used to front a formidable
array of unaccountable and repressive Crown powers, which are a constant threat
to genuine democracy. Westminster has no democratic mandate in Scotland.
We also oppose the notion of 'Britishness'. There is no 'British' nation. The
U.K. is a multi-nation state, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and part of
Ireland. This state unites the ruling class, but disunites the peoples of the
constituent nations. Each of these nations consists of many nationalities and
is divided by class.
We believe that popular sovereignity and self-determination can only be won by
asserting them in practice. To this end we will involve ourselves in all those
movements from below, to help build a united campaign of civil disobedience to
win a Scottish Republic.
Therefore we aim to:
win self-determination for the Scottish people.
win the fullest democracy, by upholding the principle of popular
sovereignity i.e. 'people power'.
oppose all attempts to divide the people of Scotland on grounds of
nationality, race, religion, gender and sexual orientation.
give support to all democratic campaigns and movements which struggle
against oppression and exploitation by seeking an end to all forms of
discrimination; and working for improved pay, working conditions and welfare
benefits, and access to better housing, health care, education, cultural and
recreational facilities.
win the establishment of a fully democratic and secular republic in
Scotland.
oppose the use of British Crown forces in Ireland.
give support to national movements in Ireland and Wales and republicans
in England opposing the continued existence of the United Kingdom. We support
the establishment of fully democratic and secular republics in Ireland, Wales
and England.
give support to genuine internationalist and anti-imperialist movements,
which recognize the full self determination and equality of all nations and
nationalities.
We organise ourselves on the following principles:
We are a United Front of individuals and organisations supporting the
Aims.
We will organise meetings of a decision-making and political educational
nature.
Decision-making will be fully democratic, with policies arrived at after
maximum discussion and vote. Elected office bearers must implement majority
decisions. Every individual and organisation, however, retains the right to
disagree and to put forward their own policies in their own name.
Political education is to encourage enquiry, debate, awareness of
differences and greater clarity over longer term aims. Every affiliated
individual and organisation has the right to distribute material to all
members.
We will actively participate in, and may affiliate to other
organisations, based on democratic United Front principles, which help to
further our Aims. We seek to persuade others of our wider principles and Aims
through active participation and democratic discussion.
We will support events organised by other organisations opposed to our
full Principles and Aims, where these events help to unite people against
oppression and exploitation. Our support will be given in a non-sectarian
manner, whilst retaining our own political identity.
We will also organise cultural events, either in our own name or with
others.
(agreed on 3.4.93.)
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