First Minister Humza Yusuf inspects the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle ahead of his trip to Westminster Abbey for his coronation. Credit: Russell Cheyne/PA Wire
Humza Yousaf pledged allegiance to the king when he attends the coronation, despite declaring himself a Republican who wants to renounce the monarchy.
The SNP leader vowed » do his duty» as a Scottish First Minister and do justice to society while dodging questions about whether it would make him uncomfortable.
When he was vying for leadership of the SNP, Mr Yousaf called for a debate about the future of the monarchy and declared that Charles III could be deposed as head of state of Scotland within five years of independence.
Some independence fighters urged him to oppose the coronation.
Behave like a domestic poodle
Alex Salmond accused Mr. Yousaf of acting like a «tame poodle» because of his role at the ceremony where the Stone was seen. The Fates, the historic symbol of Scottish sovereignty, have been sent to London for the king's coronation.
But asked if he plans to swear allegiance to the king on Saturday, Mr Yousaf told reporters: «I'm going there to do my duty First Minister.
“The First Minister must take the oath, as I took just five weeks ago [when taking office], almost word for word.
“That's something, of course, I'll do since I'm there as First Minister.
“My opinion on the monarchy is well known. First of all, I swear and pledge allegiance to the people of Scotland.”
Asked if this would make him feel uncomfortable, he avoided a direct answer, saying: “It is so important for me to do my duty.” duty and to represent all the people of Scotland. That's what I'm going to do.»
Humza Yusuf said: "First of all, my oath and allegiance is always to the people of Scotland. Credit: RUSSELL CHAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Ceremony attendees, as well as those watching from home, will be invited to declare loudly: “I swear that I will remain true allegiance to Your Majesty and to Your heirs and successors.” . , in accordance with the law. So help me, God.”
To attend the coronation at Westminster Abbey, Mr Yousaf will miss a major pro-independence march in Glasgow to coincide with the event.
“Times have changed,” says Alba leader,
Mr Salmond, former First The minister, who is now leader of the Alba party, vowed to be among «the masses, not the classes» by taking part in the independence march.
A former monarchist, he said on Thursday that «times have changed» and he no longer supported the institution after the death of the former queen.
Union members accused Mr. Salmond of drawing attention to and pandering to extremist nationalists.
His «principles succumbed so easily»
However, Chris McEleney, a former SNP adviser and now general secretary of the Alba Party, insisted that Mr. Yousaf's criticism was justified.
“It is absurd that a week later, when Humza Yousaf threatened to stop the rollout of free school meals, he feels it is his duty to take the oath of allegiance to Charles at Westminster Abbey as part of a ceremony which will cost about £100 million,” he said.
“There is no reason for a self-proclaimed republican to voluntarily swear allegiance to King Charles. on Saturday.
“Humza Yusuf, as First Minister, should be loyal only to the people of Scotland.
“I am sure that many in the independence movement will ask how he will bend Westminster to the will of Scotland when his own principles were so easily shaken by the showmanship of the British state.»
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