Scottish Republican Socialist Party

Infobox Scottish Political Party
party_name = Scottish Republican Socialist Movement
party_articletitle = The SRSM
party_| leader = Donald Anderson
foundation = 1982
ideology = Scottish independence, Marxist
position = Republican Socialism
international = "none"
european = (formerly Scottish Socialist Party)
europarl = (formerly Scottish Socialist Party)
colours = Yellow, Red, Blue (Pantone 300 - official colour of the Saltire)
headquarters = Glasgow
website = [http://www.srsm.net http://www.srsm.net]

The Scottish Republican Socialist Party (SRSP) was a political party operating in Scotland. They were formed out of the Scottish Republican Socialist Clubs, formed in 1973 to introduce socialism to the Scottish National Party (SNP) and grow support for Scottish independence amongst left-wingers who supported the retention of the Union with the rest of the United Kingdom. The expulsion of the 79 Group from the SNP led to the Republican Clubs deciding to form as a coherent political party and they formed themselves into the SRSP in 1982.

Whilst agreeing with the SNP, insofar as they believed in independence, the SRSP believed that this should be combined with support for socialism. They argued that independence for the working class is meaningless unless it is socialist, and adopted an abstentionist position towards Westminster elections.

The SRSM has been active, not only campaigning for Scottish independence via the Independence First initiative, but by its Annual 1320 Declaration of Arbroath Rallies, Annual Glencoe Rallies, John MacLean commoeration and campaigning at a grassroots level.

RSM & SSP

In 1998, the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) was formed and the SRSP narrowly decided to join them, and reformed as a cross-party movement called the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement. Many members ended up within the SSP, but not exclusively. In 2005, the SNP proscribed membership of the SRSM, claiming it was "SSP".

The SRSM was active in campaigning against attempts within the SSP to ditch the policy of supporting independence. It succeeded at persuading high profile SSP members like Alan McCombes, Rosie Kane and Kevin Williamson to speak at its rallies and for its cause.

In October 2006, the SRSM Announced that it was disaffiliating with the Scottish Socialist Party and becoming a cross party organisation.

Magazine

The SRSM also puts out a biannual magazine called "Scottish Worker's Republic" as well maintaining a visible online presence. It also produces a magazine called "Red Duster".

External links

* [http://www.srsm.net Website of the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement]

ee also

*Radicalism (historical)
*Scottish independence