Marching for Independence

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【Summary】First Minister Humza Yousaf joins thousands of supporters in a march for Scottish independence in Edinburgh. Yousaf addresses the crowd, highlighting the "cost-of-union crisis" and advocating for Scotland's place in Europe through independence. He also criticizes UK immigration policies and expresses the aim to deliver independence. The SNP is set to decide on a concrete method at its conference next month.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 4:53 PM PT

Humza Yousaf, the First Minister of Scotland, joined thousands of supporters in a march through Edinburgh, expressing his commitment to deliver Scottish independence. After the march from Edinburgh Castle to the Scottish Parliament, Yousaf addressed the crowd and informed journalists that around 25,000 people attended the Believe In Scotland event.

In his speech outside Holyrood, Yousaf emphasized Scotland's need for independence, citing a "cost-of-union crisis" and advocating for Scotland's place in Europe. He stated, "Let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, the people of this country – they're not suffering from a cost-of-living crisis, they're suffering from a cost-of-union crisis." Yousaf also criticized the UK Government's immigration policies, highlighting Scotland's commitment to being a welcoming place for all nationalities.

When asked if he can deliver on the goal of Scottish independence, Yousaf expressed his aim and hope to achieve it. He acknowledged that there is no shortcut to independence and that the UK Government and UK parties continue to deny the democratic mandate. Yousaf emphasized the importance of mobilizing the power of the people to create conditions that cannot be ignored.

Yousaf reiterated that the "plan A" for independence is to test support at the Westminster election, with the SNP set to decide on a concrete method at its upcoming conference. Other government ministers, Lorna Slater and Jamie Hepburn, also delivered speeches at the event.

Lorna Slater, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, criticized the conflict between the Scottish Government and Westminster, particularly regarding the Scotland Act's section 35 order that blocked gender reforms. She expressed frustration at the limitations imposed by Westminster and its disregard for the Scottish Parliament's work on equality and the environment.

However, Donald Cameron, constitution spokesman for the Scottish Tories, criticized Yousaf's participation in the independence rally, stating that the First Minister should prioritize helping households through the cost-of-living crisis and addressing issues in the NHS and schools. Cameron claimed that Yousaf's actions demonstrated a disconnect from public opinion.