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THERE are two kinds of argument I’ve heard far too often in the debate about Scottish independence, and I’d love to think that we could elevate the whole issue by dropping these altogether.

The first is that the campaign for a Yes vote is either an SNP front (this is usually the line of attack when only the SNP’s leadership or policies are being heard) or hopelessly split (this happens whenever anyone other than the SNP is being heard).

It seems that some people simply can’t cope with the idea that there is political diversity amongst supporters of independence, and that it’s possible to agree on voting Yes while having your own mind on other issues.

The second argument is very similar, but directed at supporters of a No vote. It says that because Labour, LibDem and Tory supporters are all out there campaigning under the ‘Better Together’ banner they must all be backing the current UK Government’s policies.

So because Labour folk may be voting No, they are accused of wanting the Tories to keep on destroying the welfare state.

It seems that some people simply can’t cope with the idea that there is political diversity amongst opponents of independence, and that it’s possible to agree on voting No while having your own mind on other issues.

I think diversity is a good thing in our politics. In fact I think it’s vital. What’s the point of even having elections at all, if it’s not to make a meaningful choice between different visions of the future?

There have been many times when I’ve criticised the dominant UK political parties for offering slight variations on basically the same political and economic system. There have been times when I’ve criticised the SNP for doing just the same.

But to pretend that there’s something wrong with any two parties disagreeing about the bedroom tax, nuclear weapons or drug laws while agreeing about the constitution is just silly.

There may only be two options on the ballot paper next September. But behind each there is a multitude of choices still to be made, and a multitude of reasons for ticking one box or the other.

On Saturday, some of the non-SNP visions of independence will be heard at the Radical Independence Campaign’s conference in Glasgow.

If it’s anything like last year’s conference, it’ll be a refreshing change from the sterile debate we often have in Parliament. Campaigners in the referendum, and the national media too, would do well to explore the real diversity of both sides of this debate if we want to take the next ten months seriously.

Learn more about the RIC conference at radicalindependence.org