THE co-leader of the Scottish Greens has said an SNP leadership candidate’s claims they were “excited” by her pitch were “false”.
Speaking during the STV leadership debate on Tuesday night, Ash Regan claimed she had spoken with all independence parties that day and that they had been “excited” by her plans.
It came as she said she would “review” the Bute House agreement, the coalition deal between the SNP and the Greens.
The agreement has allowed the SNP to avoid working with Unionist parties and gave the Scottish Greens some sway over Government policy.
The Scottish Greens are not endorsing a candidate - this is an election for SNP members. But those voting have a right to know that this claim by a candidate on national TV is simply, plainly false. #STVDebate https://t.co/NyLZAPKp5j
— Patrick Harvie 🇪🇺🌈 (@patrickharvie) March 7, 2023
Responding to Regan’s claims, Patrick Harvie said: “The Scottish Greens are not endorsing a candidate - this is an election for SNP members.
READ MORE: Scots economist debunks 'urban myth' of GERS with game-changing research
“But those voting have a right to know that this claim by a candidate on national TV is simply, plainly false.”
Regan responded to The Scotsman, saying: “All parties were called today, including the [Scottish Greens] – message left, still awaiting a call back. Everyone else enthusiastic.”
Scotland’s only other pro-independence party with representation at any level of government are the Alba Party.
Her campaign released a statement clarifying her remarks, saying she had spoken with the Alba Party, the Independence for Scotland Party, the Scottish Socialist Party, and Tommy Sheridan’s Hope Over Fear group and they had all “expressed excitement and support”.
A member of Regan’s team told The National the Scottish Greens had refused to put their call through.
They said she had “left a message” with the Scottish Greens but had not heard back.
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