Scottish independence cannot be achieved 'right now', says SNP president

Nicola Sturgeon resigned as SNP leader and first minister last month Photo: Wattie Cheung

SNP President said they don't believe that Scottish independence can be achieved «right now» as the party faces its «biggest and most complex crisis» in 50 years.

Mike Russell's comments come amid the ongoing fallout from the arrest of Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive and husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Police spent days last week searching property Ms Sturgeon shares with Mr Murrell, who was arrested and interrogated for 11 hours by detectives investigating SNP finances. He was released without charge and the investigation continues.

In an interview with The Herald, Russell said: “I don't think independence can be secured right now — we need to work on a coordinated campaign. .

“In my 50 years of collaboration with the party, this is the biggest and most complex crisis we have ever faced, especially during our time in government.

“But I have obligations to this party and the Scottish independence movement, which has been a huge part of my life for so long. I'll do my best, but the last few weeks have been pretty exhausting.»

Seems to be hinting to the split in the party and doubts about Humza Yusaf, the new leader and first minister, he added: “All I can do is trust to work with others to make things right. Like it or not, the party chose Humza for this, and I want to help him in any way I can.

“Parties and institutions are fallible. In a way, however, this is a case where the king is dead, long live the king. That's how it should be.»

Meanwhile, Alex Salmond, a former first minister and leader of the SNP who now leads the Alba party, told Talk TV that he feels «sad» about the state of his former party. and encouraged Mr. Yusuf to take a new approach to make a difference.

“I invite Humza Yusuf to recognize the succession candidate problem – for the love of all that is holy, bridge between what you are doing and what has happened in the past,” he said.

“ Change direction, get rid of Greens, invite your opponents from the SNP to key positions in your cabinet, reassemble your party and, above all, show humility to extend a hand of friendship to the rest of the independence movement.”

The new First Minister confirmed that he will announce «soon» whether he will go to court to save Ms Sturgeon's controversial gender recognition reform bill, which has been blocked by the UK government.

Mr Yousaf has until the middle of this month to decide whether to challenge the right to veto the gender bill. It was blocked on the grounds that it would violate the UK's equality law, which is reserved for Westminster, and potentially harm the rights and safety of women and girls.

He also said he remained «committed to ” to the party pact with the Greens, but will “keep it under close scrutiny”.