Conveners appointed for constitutional Citizens' Assembly

Two conveners for the first Citizens’ Assembly looking into Scotland's future constitutional arrangements have been announced by the Scottish Government.

Former Labour MEP David Martin and third sector arts leader Kate Wimpress were appointed to the role, which will involve convening meetings of the Assembly beginning in October.

The conveners were welcomed to the role by Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell, who described the appointments as an “important moment”.

Russell said: “The Citizens’ Assembly will enable people to engage with complex and contested issues about our constitution on an inclusive, informed and respectful basis.

“It is part of a process of expanding and enriching our democracy. Politicians do not have all the answers and people’s voices need to be heard.

“The appointment of the conveners to lead the Assembly is an important moment. I am delighted to welcome David and Kate to their roles and look forward to watching this initiative progress.”

The Citizens’ Assembly will see over 100 members of public selected to consider broad issues facing the country.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon set the remit of the Assembly in April, which will include questions such as “what kind of country are we seeking to build?” and “how can we best overcome the challenges we face, including those that arise from Brexit?”

The first six meetings of the Assembly are due to take place over six weekends from 25/26 October 2019 to 24/26 April 2020 in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

It is designed to be independent from government and will decide its own agenda and make its own calls for expert witnesses, with a view to making recommendations at the end of the process.

Co-convener David Martin, who served as a Labour MEP from 1984-2019, said he felt “delighted” to take on the role.

He said: “This is an unprecedented chance to place Scottish citizens at the heart of our political debate at a time of momentous change in our relationship with Europe.

“I am greatly looking forward to hearing directly from the members of the Assembly on how they want to shape our country."

Wimpress, who heads up the North Edinburgh Arts organisation and chairs Scotland’s Regeneration Forum, said: “It is an honour to take up the post of convener of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland and to work alongside David.

“I applaud the Assembly’s ambition, enabling mature debate by making enough time, space and support available to interrogate complex issues.

“Twenty five years working with communities has shown me, many times over, that transparent, inclusive and respectful engagement leads to the best outcomes.”

The full range of dates for the first six meetings are: 25/26 October in Edinburgh and 29 November/1 December, 17/19 January, 21/23 February, 27/29 March and 24/26 April all in Glasgow.