Four months ago we got in touch with our opponents at Better Together and proposed we, together, host a large-scale debate, with joint promotion, organisation and funding. They told us initially they were "too busy" organising speakers for meetings at Strathclyde University - a programme consisting of a grand total of 4 events over 6 months.
We went back to them at the beginning of February, asking if they were now ready to sit down and begin the process of planning a debate and discussion supported by both sides of the debate in the best interests of democratic openness.
They refused.
We believe the people of Glasgow deserve better. Whatever your views on the decision we'll take in September, we believe you should have the opportunity to hear from those for and against independence, to see them test each other's arguments, and to have your say in an open, free, and public forum.
Our nation's future will be decided this year. The decision as to which of two futures we travel down - within the UK or as an independent, self-governing country - is too important to be left to politicians, TV panellists and newspaper columnists. It's a decision that all of us, collectively, will take - and that all of us must feel informed and knowledgable about.
To that end, we are going ahead with the debate we originally proposed to the official No campaign. We will invite speakers from each side of the debate, secure an impartial and fair Chair, book a venue, publicise and market the debate, and do everything we can to make sure the people of Glasgow have an opportunity to play a full part in the discussion on Scotland's future.
We want to:
- Print and distribute a minimum of 100,000 leaflet advertising the debate
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Book and pay for a large, open, and accessible venue in the City Centre
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Publicise the debate in print, electronic and social media
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Hire equipment for the event, including PA and video equipment
No money will be wasted, and any surplus will be used to support and promote local campaign across the city in the remaining six months of the campaign.
Like the rest of the Yes campaign, we are a volunteer, grassroots organisation, reliant on donations to support events like this. If you can, please donate what you can. No amount is too small or too big to help..
Thanks.
Yes Glasgow