After the Referendum
Whither the CSP?

PLENTY TO DO!

The CSP will continue to exist and work for the fair and democratic Parliament for which Scots have voted so resoundingly in the Referendum. Through our Working Parties, through meetings, conferences, publications, the media, and co-operation with other civic bodies and the political parties we will:

1. monitor the progress of the legislation through Westminster, to ensure that key features such as proportional representation, co-operative working structures, open government and freedom of information, better gender balance, and Parliamentary Committees which work in open and sensible co-operation with civil society are all supported and embodied in the final Act.
2. seek to ensure that areas of ambiguity or difference between the Convention proposals and the Scotland Bill are resolved in the spirit of the Convention - eg no dual mandates after initial overlaps, European voice for Scotland, broadcasting control etc.
3. participate in the discussion regarding possible sites for the Parliament Building(s) - we believe that Scotland’s Parliament must be at the heart of its capital city, symbolizing its place at the heart of the nation.
4. work for Education and Empowerment - we are working on an education pack for secondary schools, as it is impossible to reply to all the individual requests from students for help with their projects. We would welcome comments or contributions from working teachers about this; please contact the Secretary. We are also actively supporting the Scottish Civic Assembly (see Briefing Pack), in its role as a major voice of civil society, with which the Parliament should work on the agenda for Scotland. We can't have an inter-active democracy without an active citizenry!

So there is work for the CSP still. We welcome as members any and all who have been working with other civic and cross-party groups for a Scottish Parliament, and who wish to join us in ensuring that it is not just a Parliament, but the sort of Parliament and democracy we really want: not a political party dog-fight but open, balanced, proportionate, truly representative, international in outlook, constructive and co-operative in working for all of Scotland. If you wish to learn more of our democratic and friendly organisation then complete and send off the CSP Order Form.

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