FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf said the support for independence had never been stronger despite “some of the most difficult weeks and months in our party’s history” as he praised his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon.
Yousaf admitted his leadership would “piss some people off” within the SNP as he called for “bold and radical” policies which would allow Scotland to achieve the prosperity of Norway and Austria.
Speaking to the SNP South Scotland Regional Assembly in Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, he pledged to pursue “humane migration” and “the climate emergency”.
He said US climate envoy John Kerry “couldn’t have been more enthusiastic” and “couldn’t have lavished more praise on the Scottish Government” during a visit this week and refused to back the Rosebank oilfield.
READ MORE: Man charged with murder after Scots dad found dead amid dog theft probe
He praised Sturgeon for her “leadership on the world stage”.
Yousaf said an independent Scotland could aspire to match countries such as Ireland, Norway and Austria.
“Just look at the countries around us that are around our size, they are healthier and wealthier than the UK, and doing better than the UK for productivity", he said.
“Why not Scotland?
“We have world class universities, world class food and drink, life sciences, agriculture, the abundant resources which other countries would bite our hand off for.”
He admitted there were divisions within SNP but insisted independence “is closer now than it ever has been” with nearly 75,000 SNP members.
Yousaf added: “It’s so important first of all, that even in the face of let’s be frank, some of the most difficult weeks and months in our party’s history, support for independence remains rock solid.”
He called for a “legally binding referendum” and said “humane migration” could help repopulate rural areas of Scotland such as Dumfries and Galloway, and the Borders.
When asked if the Scottish Government supported the development of the Rosebank oilfield, given Kerry’s (below) views on ending burning fossil fuels, Yousaf said the focus should be on renewables.
He explained: “I’m not convinced the development of the Rosebank oilfield should go ahead.
“Unlimited oil and gas extraction is not our future, our future is within the unleashing the potential of renewable technology.”
He added: “My programme for government is probably going to piss off some people.
“The SNP is best when it’s radical and when it’s bold.
“There are people with a vested interest in the status quo.”
He pledged to “eradicate poverty” rather than reduce it.
“There is incredible wealth, resource, talent within Scotland. We would have a far more humane approach to migration than the UK Government.
“For a country which has depopulation issues, there are countries with the average age of 35 who are desperate to come.
“We lost in 2014 on questions on the economy and currency and pensions.”
Yousaf vowed there would be “meaningful dialogue” with Cosla over school strikes, after both GMB Scotland and Unison balloting for strike action.
The First Minister said devolution had been “undermined by a contemptuous UK Government” and criticised the “Westminster cost-of-living crisis”.
He said “Blue Westminster or Red Westminster” would make no difference, citing Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on policy issues, and describing Anas Sarwar as “like a child” on a recent visit from the Labour Party leader.
Yousaf added: “The body language was like a child looking for permission from their parent.”
He defended the appointment of new SNP chief executive Murray Foote, who stepped down from his previous comms role for misleading the press over membership figures, praising his “transparency and openness”.
READ MORE: Greens fire back after Sir Tom Hunter labels policies 'insanity'
“Independence is now closer than it ever has been. It is closer than ever. This is a journey that did not begin with you and I", the FM said.
“It has been going on not for decades but for hundreds of years. We may not have begun it but by God we should finish the job.
“The more likely we are to win the referendum, the less likely they are to give it to us.”
He dismissed the prospect of dissent from rebel SNP MSPs over the Bute House Agreement and insisted he would be achieve Scottish independence.
Yousaf said: “We want a legally binding referendum. That’s my job to lead the party to independence.”
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