#CommonDebate: Does #Pricegate spell trouble for the SNP?

31/08/2016
Maxine Blane

Today via CommonSocial, Twitter and Facebook we asked for your responses to our #CommonDebate feature

AS part of Scotland’s new media, what you think about the news is a top priority for CommonSpace – we want to know how you feel about major news stories, and what events you think should be getting attention.

Your views on news issues are incredibly important to us, and we want you to be involved every step of the way. Whenever there’s a big question or issue drawing public attention, we’ll use the #CommonDebate hashtag to make sure your voice is heard.

Today’s #CommonDebate question was ‘Will #pricegate and restrictions on SNP politicians attending outside events at party conference create a separation between party and wider grassroots support?’

The question follows the news that the SNP has asked politicians to decline invitations to any unofficial conference events after a group of organisations and charities pulled together to create an alternative event alongside the conference after feeling ‘priced out’ of official stalls and fringe meetings by the party.

One of our first responders felt that the situation raised concerns about exclusivity and could be seen as neglecting the wider grassroots support of the party.

Some users discussed the practicalities of lobbying at party conferences and how cost could be a factor for less wealthy organisations.

One user made the point that previous conferences incurred less cost than the upcoming conference at the SECC.

Finally, one witty respondent observed that events which provided a stocked bar were likely to more well attended regardless of where they were held.

We’d like to thank everyone who responded, and encourage you all to get involved in our next #CommonDebate on CommonSocial, Twitter or Facebook, or even tell us what you think about the latest question in the comments below.

Picture courtesy of Bruce Cowan

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