HUMZA Yousaf has called for Yes supporters to “rededicate” to the campaign – saying the ten years since the referendum of 2014 which will be marked this year has been a “hard lesson” on the costs to Scotland of not being independent.

In an exclusive New Year message for the Sunday National, the First Minister also urged independence supporters to “vote for what you believe in” with the General Election looming.

Yousaf highlighted issues ranging from Westminster austerity to the ongoing damage of Brexit, as well as the “shameful spectacle” of the UK failing to back calls for a Gaza ceasefire.

He said: “We are being held back by a Tory government that doesn't care about Scotland, and a Labour opposition that on all the big questions doesn't dare to set out a materially different approach: on spending, Brexit, Gaza; even watering down its position on climate change.

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“2024 is going to be a General Election year, and my message to independence supporters is vote for what you believe in.

“When the SNP are winning, Scotland wins.

“The Yes movement can only be strong when the SNP are successful.”

He made a New Year pledge that the SNP would provide leadership so that Scotland can progress on its journey to independence and the country’s voice can be “heard louder than ever”.

He said: “As we see out the old and ring in the new, the turn of the year is a good time to reflect on where we are as a nation - and rededicate ourselves to where we want to get to.

“The year to come will mark the 10th anniversary of the 2014 referendum, and if the last decade has taught us anything, it has been a hard lesson on the costs to Scotland of not being an independent country.”

Yousaf has also spoken of the “unimaginable suffering” experienced by those living in conflict, and called for refugees to be treated with “respect and dignity” in his New Year message for the country.

He highlighted the troubles in Gaza, as well as the war in Ukraine and conflicts in countries such as Sudan, Yemen and Somalia.

READ MORE: Humza Yousaf says family in Gaza facing ‘indescribable’ festive period

With his parents-in-law having been trapped in Gaza for several weeks during the current conflict and relatives still there, Yousaf said “too many families right across Scotland” will begin 2024 with “worries and fears – particularly those with loved ones caught up in conflicts across the world”.

The First Minister said: “I know those worries and fears all too well.

“I hope that 2024 sees an end to the unimaginable suffering experienced by the peoples of Gaza and of Ukraine, but also of Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and all those who endure the horrors of war across the globe.”

He went on to stress the need to “treat those that come to our shores with kindness, with respect and dignity”.

Yousaf added: “At this time of year more than any other, we should all be looking out for one another.”

Describing the start of the new year as a “time for hope, for optimism, for excitement”, he said he will “continue to work tirelessly to create new opportunities and economic growth, to deliver a sustainable future for our children and our planet, and to ensure a fairer, wealthier and greener Scotland for everyone”.

Meanwhile, Scottish Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater highlighted the “soaring temperatures and evermore extreme weather events” experienced in 2023 as she spoke of the “urgency of climate action”..

She said: “2024 must be the year that we all do our bit to step up to the challenges we face and take the environmental steps that are needed.

“In 2024, let us come together to support action for people and planet, so that we can build a world that future generations will cherish and a society that reflects the values we hold dear.”