ALBA and SNP Government

The turmoil that first minister Yousaf finds himself in at the end of his first year was predicted by this site and has come to pass. He faces a motion of no confidence in his abilities, and also a motion of no confidence in his government, A great deal of his embarrassment issues from his party’s association with the clumsy and sex obsessed Green party, its leaders more amateur than amateurs. Now that Yousaf has fired the Green party from further ministerial responsibilities, (his predecessor’s legacy) the SNP is free to make its own decisions.

The problem is, Yousaf’s latest existence rests entirely on how well he can work as a minority administration. Alex Salmond managed that trick with aplomb, creating what must rank as one of the most productive years of Scotland’s history. The letter below, from Ash Regan, ALBA party’s Holyrood leader, sets out her party’s attitude to events, and by association, Salmond’s too. But readers should keep in mind, Yousaf was happy being called the ‘continuity candidate’. He’s liable to block ALBA from all and any negotiations, in which case his term as first mininster should end.

Dear Gareth

The Bute House Agreement is over. As we approach the crucial vote of no confidence in First Minister Humza Yousaf next week, I am carefully considering our position, always with the best interests of Scotland at heart.

I have written to the First Minister, providing him with an early opportunity to meet with me to discuss the three clear priorities I have set out. Scotland demands serious, defined, and honourable commitments. However, a Nationalist First Minister should be enthusiastic about delivering what should be our shared priorities for Scotland.

The ALBA Party’s overriding priority is the urgent pursuit of Scottish independence, and we have suggested various ways in which Scotland’s electorate can have the opportunity to revive independence progress.

My proposed Bill on an extension of the powers of the Scottish Parliament, which includes legislating for and negotiating Scottish independence, is a testament to our shared commitment to democracy. I envision Scotland’s parliamentary elected members joining an Independence Convention to issue a Declaration of Scottish Sovereignty. This decisive step, coupled with our plan to use every election as an opportunity for the people of Scotland to demonstrate their popular mandate to negotiate independence, underscores our collective dedication to the cause. I eagerly anticipate the First Minister’s collaboration on the independence strategy for the people of Scotland.

I have made no secret that I am passionate about protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of women and girls. That is why I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work with ALBA Women across our party on a renewed Woman’s Pledge for the annual conference. Recent legislation has fallen short on many fronts, but, most seriously, it needs to embed safeguarding.

The rights of women, children, and vulnerable adults must not be sacrificed or jeopardised. Scotland must commit to evidence-based science and rationality replacing ideology in underpinning legislative proposals. Clinicians across Scotland are supporting the Cass Review recommendations. As parliamentarians in Scotland, we need to debate how our clinicians, educators, and legislators will implement the holistic set of Dr Cass’s recommendations.

Public trust is imperative to all we do, and we must restore confidence in the competence of the Scottish Government for our people. We must align the Government’s priorities with those of the people – health, education, housing, and the economy- and steer clear of divisive identity-based politics. A sign of good faith would be a significant Government investment, reinforcing the campaign to save the Grangemouth refinery from closure. I am requesting the undertaking to produce such an initiative in the early course. I am hopeful that the First Minister will commit to such an initiative in the near future as a sign of our shared dedication to Scotland’s welfare.

I look forward to Humza Yousaf’s reply to these points in the same constructive tone as I will approach any discussions with him.

Yours for ALBA,

Ash Regan MSP
Holyrood Leader, ALBA Party

NOTES

News at 09.30am, 28 April, 2020: True to form Humza Yousaf has dismissed Alex Salmond’s “fantasy” demand, (as Yousaf terms it) for a pro-independence electoral pact as the price for Alba backing the beleaguered First Minister. As already state, the rejection of the ultimatum could prove fatal to the SNP leader’s chances of surviving this week’s confidence votes. There is the whiff of petrol in Yousaf’s reply, as if he has set fire to himself in his crass reading of his choices.

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