THE SNP’s Westminster leader has said he is “confident” the independence movement will come together once “we’re able to have a referendum”.
In an interview with The Herald, Stephen Flynn was asked how to re-build trust with independence activists who may have become disillusioned.
Flynn singled out the First Minister for praise, saying that Humza Yousaf has “done well” since succeeding Nicola Sturgeon (pictured below).
“He’s trying to be as calm and open as possible with people across the country. He’s not been afraid to say that he didn’t know about the issues around party funds rather than pretend that everything is fine”, Flynn said.
“I have the utmost respect for the way he’s handled a very difficult period. He’s a dad and a husband, and to come out the other side with a smile on his face and with some vigour says a lot about him as a person and a leader.
“I’m still confident that when we’re able to have a referendum all the grief can be put to one side and we’ll come together again. We all still believe in the same end goal.”
However, when asked if the SNP should be working closer with Alex Salmond’s Alba Party, Flynn said he didn’t believe there is a single seat they could win.
Alba have previously said they believe that all parties that support Scottish independence should stand under a single banner at the next General Election.
READ MORE: Scottish students celebrate as exam pass rate up on pre-Covid levels
It’s a move that has caused debate with SNP MP Pete Wishart branding the plan “ridiculous”.
Various ideas on the best route forward to securing an independence referendum were discussed at a convention in June.
Suspended MP Angus MacNeil (pictured below) was also critical of the SNP, saying that they need to prioritise “independence over the party”.
On Alba, Flynn said: “I’m a member of the Scottish National Party. So no-one should be surprised when I say that if you want independence you should vote for us.
“Alba is polling between one and two percent. No one can show me a seat they can possibly win. The SNP is the only party that can deliver independence.”
Flynn was also asked about comments made by Mike Russell following Sturgeon’s resignation in which he said the party was facing its biggest crisis in 50 years.
Asked if he agreed with this, the Aberdeen South MP said: “Look, I’m a Dundee United fan, I spent 18 years as a disabled person. I like a challenge.
READ MORE: Loch Lomond: US businessman aims to help protect historic Scottish castle
"So, I’m less focused on what’s happened and people’s opinions about it than on how we can use those challenges to get to a better position.
“And I think if your mindset is not on that at the moment – and this isn’t a criticism of anyone – and not on what’s happening to the public then you’re in the wrong place.
“The public will expect nothing less than us to be focused entirely on their issues.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel