Jeremy Corbyn has emphatically stated that the decision to hold a Scottish independence referendum should rest solely with the people of Scotland, declaring it "their choice" rather than being dictated by the UK Government in Westminster. The Your Party co-leader delivered these remarks during a significant speech at the Your Party Scotland conference held in Dundee on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Referendum Authority Should Not Be Westminster's Domain
Speaking as an independent MP currently sitting in Westminster, Corbyn reinforced his long-standing position on Scottish self-determination. He articulated that if Scottish citizens and their representative organisations desire a referendum to decide Scotland's future, that decision must be respected autonomously. Corbyn emphasised that such a crucial democratic process should not be controlled or determined by the UK Government, stressing the need for clarity on this fundamental principle.
Your Party Scotland's Founding Conference and Electoral Strategy
The conference marked the founding gathering of Your Party Scotland, where members convened not only to discuss constitutional matters but also to strategise for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections in May. Should the party decide to field candidates, the selection process and policy development are scheduled to commence as early as next week, indicating rapid organisational momentum.
Ellie Gomersall, a member of the organising group, voiced strong criticism of the existing political establishment, accusing it of repeatedly failing the people of Scotland. She argued that a new grassroots movement, built from the ground up by ordinary citizens, is urgently required. Gomersall highlighted that Your Party Scotland operates as a member-led entity, with key decisions—from independence approaches to electoral strategies—being made collectively by members from across Scotland during the Dundee conference.
A Response to Political Stagnation
Gomersall acknowledged the challenges of establishing a new political party from scratch but framed it as a necessary response to what she described as a "genocidal right-wing Labour government" in Westminster and a "stale SNP government" in Holyrood running out of ideas. She positioned the conference as merely the beginning of Your Party's mission to address Scotland's political needs, suggesting that both major parties have created a vacuum that demands fresh, people-driven alternatives.
The event underscores growing political realignments in Scotland, with Corbyn's comments adding weight to debates about sovereignty and democratic processes. As Your Party Scotland moves forward, its member-led approach and focus on Scottish autonomy could influence broader discussions ahead of the Holyrood elections, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
