Dundee politicians in referendum push

Dundee politicians will meet voters to discuss next year’s referendum on Scottish independence at a “drop-in café” in the city’s St Andrew’s Parish Church this Saturday. Shona Robison MSP will join local councillors and SSP campaigner John McAllion at the event, which forms part of a nationwide strategy of “events where voters can chat informally with politicians about what independence could mean for Scotland”.

“I hope that many members of the public will drop in to the Yes Dundee Café,” said Robison, who represents Dundee City East in the Scottish Parliament. “[The event] offers an opportunity to ask questions of John McAllion and of me about an independent Scotland and how that would benefit you and your family. It will be an informal event where you can come in and ask a question of two or chat over a cup of tea or coffee and a cake.”

She added: “John and I will do short speeches but the main focus of the event is speaking to the public […] We hope this event will prove popular as it will be entirely informal. We are there to help you make up your mind and to give you the information you are seeking.”

McAllion, a former Labour MP and MSP, said the referendum “offers all of us the opportunity to do something about this decades-long unravelling of democracy in our own country”, and noted that the vote “will have lasting and historic consequences for everyone living in Scotland”. He quizzed: “Why not come along on Saturday to have your say, ask your questions and get the information you need to make up your mind?”

The event begins in the St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall, 2 King Street at 11 AM on Saturday 7 September. Short speeches will take place at 11:30 AM, and the event ends at 1:30 PM.