Motion · S5M-21180 · 9 Mar 2020
The Radical War of 1820
The motion
That the Parliament recognises the 200th anniversary of the Radical War; understands that this conflict was the result of the peoples’ dissatisfaction with a government that had left the population in poverty after the Napoleonic wars; recognises that previous years of unrest culminated in the demands for reform and the national strikes during the first week of April 1820, including numerous strikes demanding the closure of cotton mills in Renfrewshire; believes that a government network of spies was used to bring the uprising to a head in order to flush out and prosecute its leaders; understands that this resulted in show trials, one of which was held in Paisley, which used English treason laws, despite such legislation having no foundation in Scots law; appreciates that the radicals were found not guilty, which brought an end to their persecution; regrets however that people whom it considers had high aspirations for equality, solidarity and the drive to end poverty were wronged and challenged in such a way, and notes the view that a remembrance of their efforts should be recognised.
Supporters (21)
- Dr Alasdair Allan 9 Mar 2020
- Bruce Crawford 9 Mar 2020
- Kenneth Gibson No Party Affiliation 9 Mar 2020
- Emma Harper 9 Mar 2020
- Bill Kidd 9 Mar 2020
- Richard Lyle 9 Mar 2020
- Gordon MacDonald 9 Mar 2020
- Ruth Maguire 9 Mar 2020
- Joan McAlpine 9 Mar 2020
- Stuart McMillan Scottish National Party 9 Mar 2020
- David Torrance Scottish National Party 9 Mar 2020
- Sandra White 9 Mar 2020
- Bob Doris Scottish National Party 10 Mar 2020
- Annabelle Ewing 10 Mar 2020
- Fulton MacGregor Scottish National Party 10 Mar 2020
- Gil Paterson 10 Mar 2020
- John Mason 11 Mar 2020
- Clare Adamson Scottish National Party 12 Mar 2020
- Tom Arthur Scottish National Party 13 Mar 2020
- Willie Coffey 16 Mar 2020
- Gillian Martin Scottish National Party 23 Mar 2020
Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.