The Scottish National Party’s leader has been speaking from within Bute House in Edinburgh to announce his resignation.
Humza Yousaf has been Scotland’s first minister for just over a year and the party’s shortest leader since devolution.
Here is the complete text of his speech:
Last week, I stood here to announce the termination of the SNP and Greens’ co-operation pact, known as the Bute House pact, and the SNP’s intention to rule as a minority administration. As SNP leader, I made that choice because I considered it the best option for the party I led, and I still feel that way. But, most significantly, I feel it was the correct option for the country.
My intention was to continue working with the Greens in a less formal capacity as the SNP entered a new era of minority rule. Unfortunately, by terminating the Bute House Agreement in the manner that I did, I plainly miscalculated the extent of grief and anger I caused among Green colleagues.
Trust in cooperating with the opposition is definitely necessary for a minority administration to operate successfully and efficiently. And, while a path past this week’s motion of no confidence was certainly available, I am unwilling to compromise my beliefs and convictions or make agreements with anybody just to keep power.
As a result, after spending the weekend thinking about what is best for my party, the government, and the country I represent, I’ve realized that healing our relationship across the political divide can only be accomplished with someone else in charge.
As a result, I have notified the SNP’s national secretary of my intention to step down as party leader and requested that she launch a leadership race to replace me as soon as feasible. To facilitate a seamless and orderly transition, I intend to serve as first minister until my successor is chosen, especially because the parliament will be considering some really important legislation in the next few days and weeks.
I can’t tell you how much of an honor it is to be the first minister of the nation I love, where I’m raising my family, and where I’ll always call home. As a young kid born and bred in Scotland, I could never have imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to lead my nation. When I was younger, people who looked like me had little political influence, much less led countries.
However, we now live in the UK with a British-Hindu prime minister, a Muslim mayor of London, a black Welsh first minister, and, for the time being, a Scottish Asian first minister of our nation.
So, for those who claim that multiculturalism has failed in the UK, I would argue that the evidence shows exactly the opposite, and this is something we should all celebrate.
I’ve had the privilege of working in government for about 12 years in various capacities. Throughout my political career, I was always led by my ideals. As first minister, I am extremely delighted to have the most progressive tax system in the UK, in which those who make the most give the most, and it will always be my basic belief that in a society as rich as ours, money must be divided far more equitably.
I have no doubt that whoever succeeds me will continue the Scottish government’s commitment to decrease child poverty. I am delighted that our activities will raise an estimated 100,000 youngsters out of poverty this year. I also hope that, as a country, we can be proud of the progress we’ve achieved in combating inequality, bigotry, and discrimination.
However, we must accept that hatred still rears its ugly head much too frequently in our society. In a world where every issue appears to devolve into a destructive cultural war, the most marginalized members of our society frequently suffer the brunt of the burden.
As politicians from all political parties, we are fortunate to have a platform. Every one of us must avoid the temptation to support populism at the expense of minorities, especially during a general election year. I’ve repeatedly stated that, as a minority, my rights do not exist in a vacuum; they are only safeguarded when everyone else’s rights are protected.
And, from the Scottish Parliament’s backbenches, I will continue to promote the voices and rights of people who are rarely heard, whether at home or abroad, such as those who are suffering from the most awful humanitarian disaster in Gaza while the world watches.
As legislators representing various political parties, we are lucky to have a platform. Every one of us must resist the urge to promote populism at the expense of minorities, especially during a general election year. I’ve consistently said that, as a minority, my rights do not exist in a vacuum; they are only protected when everyone else’s rights are.
And, from the Scottish parliament’s backbenches, I will continue to advocate for the voices and rights of those who are rarely heard, whether at home or abroad, such as those suffering from the worst humanitarian tragedy in Gaza while the world watches.
And I’ll tell you today what I’ll say to his successor: First ministers have the opportunity to meet innumerable remarkable people in communities across Scotland, all trying to improve the lives of those around them. First ministers get to view many of the innovative enterprises and sectors that will drive Scotland’s future. And whenever first ministers travel outside of Scotland, whether in Europe or throughout the world, they meet friends and fans of our nation. If only everyone in Scotland could have the opportunity to be the first minister for one day. On the very following day, I believe they will vote for independence with both their heads and their hearts.
To my fellow MSPs of all political persuasions, next week marks a watershed moment: 25 years of devolution. Our election system is constructed such that no political party can achieve an outright majority. The founding fathers and mothers of devolution felt, correctly, that politicians sharing expertise, counsel, and ideas benefits everyone. However, the opposite is also true.
That is why I would want to appeal to colleagues from all sides of the political spectrum: while the government must act in good faith, so must our opposition, and they must be willing to partner with us rather than just oppose.
The only individuals who suffer as a result of this deadlock are those we aspire to assist.
Politics and politicians have frequently been derided, and not without cause. However, I really think that when we get it right, as we frequently do, we can be a force for good, changing people’s lives for the better.
I sincerely wish you well, my comrades in opposition, regardless of political party. I have no ill intent and certainly no animosity toward anyone. Politics can be a tough business. It has a negative impact on both your physical and emotional health, and your family suffers as well.
I am eternally grateful to my amazing wife, my lovely children, and my extended family for putting up with me over the years. I am afraid you will be seeing a lot more of me from now on. You are actually everything to me. And, of course, as you can see, I am sad that my time as first minister is coming to an end, but I am glad and lucky to have the opportunity to lead my nation, and who could wish for a finer country to lead than Scotland?
