What is The Alba Party?

The Alba Party is a Scottish nationalist and pro-independence political party founded in February 2021 by former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond. Positioned as a strong advocate for Scottish independence, the party emphasizes immediate and decisive actions to achieve this goal, differing from the more gradual approach of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

The Alba Party participated in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election with list-only candidates and has attracted several defections from the SNP, including MPs and an MSP.

Scottish Independence:

The Alba Party's central aim is to secure Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom. They propose a more confrontational strategy towards the UK government, utilizing all possible means to compel Westminster to recognize Scotland's right to self-determination.

This approach marks a distinct shift from the SNP’s strategy, which has become more cautious and conditional on UK government agreement in recent years.

Social and Economic Policies:

Alba advocates for radical and bold measures to address social inequalities in Scotland. They emphasize the need for substantial action to combat poverty and improve the well-being of Scottish citizens.

The party supports the development of Scotland’s energy sector, particularly renewable energy, advocating for full Scottish control over these resources to ensure both economic benefits and environmental protection.

Housing and Health:

The Alba Party prioritizes accessible, affordable, and quality housing as essential to individual dignity and societal stability. In health care, they aim to enhance the system's capacity and efficiency, emphasizing the importance of mental health services and advocating for substantial investment in public health resources.

Education and Justice:

Education is seen as a fundamental driver of equality and social mobility. Alba commits to investing in the educational sector to ensure that all Scots have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

In justice, the party promotes a fair and transparent legal system that upholds the rule of law and protects individual rights.

Industry and Infrastructure:

Recognizing the importance of industry to Scotland’s economy, Alba supports policies that stimulate growth, innovation, and job creation. They advocate for significant investment in infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic efficiency across Scotland.

Culture, Heritage, and International Relations:

Alba values Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and seeks to promote and preserve it. The party also views strong international relations as crucial to Scotland’s global standing and advocates for proactive engagement in international diplomacy and trade.

Distinctive Positions and Future Direction:

Alba is characterized by its urgent and uncompromising stance on independence, positioning itself to the left of the SNP on several economic issues but adopting a more culturally conservative approach compared to the SNP’s progressive policies on gender and social reforms. The party supports joining the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) post-independence and promotes a socially democratic ideology, aiming to align more closely with traditional left-wing values than the current SNP leadership.

Criticism and Controversies:

Alba has faced criticism for its perceived divisiveness within the Scottish independence movement and its approach to gender and social policies. The party's opposition to the SNP's gender recognition reforms has sparked significant debate and controversy, highlighting a clear ideological divide between Alba and mainstream Scottish nationalist parties.

The Alba Party represents a radical and assertive force in Scottish politics, advocating for swift action on independence and proposing robust social and economic reforms. Its emergence reflects broader debates within the Scottish independence movement regarding strategy, social policy, and Scotland's future direction.