In the two years that have passed since Scotland’s historic referendum on independence, much has happened in our country – two elections, two prime ministers, an EU referendum and, of course, Brexit.
The UK’s decision to leave the EU has left Scotland in a very different place than in 2014.
We’re yet to see what a future outside the European Union may look like, but it is vital that we protect Scotland’s interests and fulfil the wishes of people across the country who overwhelmingly voted to Remain.
Of course, the matter of Scotland in the EU played an important part in the 2014 referendum debate.
We remember well the claims made by Ruth Davidson prior to that vote, when she boldly told the people of Scotland that “No means we stay in” the EU. This claim has unravelled at breakneck speed.
However, the position we now face as we seek to look forward and improve lives across Scotland is markedly different from that we confronted in September 2014.
The UK that Scotland voted to be a part of then does not exist any longer.
Though we are yet to see the full impact and consequences of Brexit, it is undisputable that circumstances have fundamentally changed.
Our future in the UK, often referred to as offering “certainty” in the 2014 campaign, is anything but certain now.
The UK Government’s shambolic response to the Brexit vote confirms that point – three months on there is still no plan, no process.
Nothing beyond the smokescreen “Brexit means Brexit” catchphrase that is utterly devoid of any meaning, no plan for trade and membership of the single market, no plan for visas and travel, no plan for students and universities.
Most shamefully, the Tory government continues to refuse to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK – damaging not only to these individuals as they see their future become uncertain, but also to our NHS and other sectors, which benefit massively from highly skilled EU citizens joining our workforce.
As we reflect on the question Scotland faced two years ago and where we are now, the positive and engaging nature of 2014’s debate must be remembered.
Attitudes developed through this mass political engagement have undoubtedly played a part in Scotland’s vision of its own future – an open, inclusive, outward looking society with European values at its heart.
Our case for independence remains the same – at its most basic level, we argue that Scotland is best governed by those who live and work here.
If this Tory government really does value Scotland as part of this Union, they must prove it by allowing Scotland’s interests and wishes to be protected by retaining our place in Europe.
If not, they will be making the case for independence for us.