A LEFT wing branch of the SNP has expressed concern over the “appeasement of right wing ideologies” within the party, as Humza Yousaf looks set to face two votes of no confidence.
The SNP Socialists published a statement on Twitter/X on Saturday where they called on the SNP leadership to re-commit support for progressive policies such as the ban on conversion therapy – which was tabled by the Scottish Greens – and to condemn any shift to the right in the party.
On Thursday morning, First Minister Humza Yousaf informed the leaders of the Scottish Green Party that he was ending the Bute House Agreement (BHA). The First Minister made this decision without democratically consulting the SNP membership, despite the fact that over 90% of 1/
— SNP Socialists (@SNP_Socialists) April 27, 2024
The statement comes after the First Minister made the decision to “terminate” the Bute House Agreement, the power-sharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Greens which led to a pro-independence majority government in Holyrood.
The group said they were “upset” that the agreement had broken down because they were “excited about the vision” that it offered.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf sends letters to party leaders ahead of no confidence votes
Members called for any future decisions “of this magnitude” to be conducted “democratically and, wherever possible, in full consultation with SNP membership”.
The decision to end the Bute House Agreement was taken by the First Minister on Thursday and has led to two separate motions of no confidence being lodged by Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Yousaf has said he remains confident that he will win both votes but would not rule out an early election in Holyrood.
After the statement was published, the group clarified that it backed Yousaf “against any attempt – from whichever direction – to bring his government down”.
READ MORE: Kate Forbes: How Scotland ended up here should be a national embarrassment
The group added: “However we need clear commitments about its future political direction with no backsliding on progressive policies.
“If there is to be a 'reset' we advocate for a left policy programme including public ownership, land reform, action on poverty and inequality, just transition to stop climate change and defending workers' rights.”
The full statement from SNP Socialists can be read below.
“On Thursday morning, First Minister Humza Yousaf informed the leaders of the Scottish Green Party that he was ending the Bute House Agreement (BHA).
“The First Minister made this decision without democratically consulting the SNP membership, despite the fact that over 90% of the party supported it in 2021.
“Subsequently, the Scottish Conservatives immediately tabled a motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf as First Minister. Scottish Labour soon followed suit and tabled a motion of no confidence in the Scottish Government.
“Both votes are anticipated to take place at some point next week. Whilst we, the SNP Socialists executive, hold a variety of opinions on these events, the situation is truly unprecedented.
“We all feel upset that the SNP/Green coalition has broken down because we were excited by the vision that the BHA offered. It presented a vehicle through which progressive socialist policies and inclusive could be championed. “We believe that the struggle both for independence and for a fairer, greener and more socialist society are closely interlinked and that they have both been undermined by BHA's ending.
“Regardless of the outcome of next week’s vote, we remain committed to progressive socialist and inclusive policies for the benefit of the people of Scotland and in the interest of saving our planet.
“We therefore propose the following:
- We re-commit support for progressive socialist values and policy
- We call on the SNP leadership to support the LGBTQ+ community, i.e. in particular to continue its work on ending conversion practices in Scotland and ensure trans and non-binary peoples’ access to improved healthcare
- We will organise against any party/government shift to the right
- We condemn and vehemently oppose any appeasement of right-wing ideologies and oppose any such move within the SNP
“In light of Thursday’s events, we believe that in future any decisions of this magnitude should be conducted democratically and, where possible, in full consultation with SNP membership.”
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