SNP Ends Power-Sharing Deal with Scottish Greens

25 April 2024, 07:36 BST

Updated 51 minutes ago

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has terminated its power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party, signaling a significant shift in the country’s politics. The decision follows the government’s controversial move to scrap climate targets and impose a pause on the prescription of puberty blockers for under-18s.

Sold Out Future Generations

The end of the Bute House Agreement, which was signed by the SNP and the Scottish Greens after the 2021 Holyrood election, began with the first minister’s announcement that the deal had been terminated. This decision has prompted criticism from the Greens, who accuse the SNP of “selling out future generations.”

The SNP, now a minority government, will now need to secure the support of opposition MSPs to proceed with its legislative agenda in the Scottish Parliament. With 63 out of 129 seats, the SNP falls two seats short of an overall majority, while the Scottish Conservatives hold 31, Labour has 22, and the Greens have seven.

Greens Accuse SNP of Political Cowardice

The decision to end the power-sharing deal was made following a meeting between SNP leader Humza Yousaf and Scottish Green Party co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater. As a result, the Green politicians resigned from their junior ministerial positions within the Scottish government. The Greens have condemned the SNP’s actions, describing them as an act of “political cowardice” and arguing that the SNP has bowed to “reactionary forces.”

Vote of No Confidence Looms

The Scottish Conservatives have announced their intention to hold a vote of no confidence in First Minister Humza Yousaf. Such a vote, which could take place as early as next week, highlights the growing tension within Scottish politics. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, but it could lead to an early election or a potential reshuffling of government positions.

Opposition Parties Demand Election

The Scottish Labour Party, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and others have called for an election, citing the SNP’s weakened position and claiming the government has become “weak, divided, and incompetent.” Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar declared that it is time to “end this circus,” emphasizing the need for fresh leadership in Scotland.

Challenges for the First Minister

Humza Yousaf’s political future now hangs in the balance. While he hopes to secure opposition support or abstentions, the SNP’s ability to hold on to power remains uncertain. Every vote will count, and the outcome of the potential confidence vote will depend on shifts within the Scottish Parliament.

The end of the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens marks a significant turning point in Scottish politics and introduces a period of political uncertainty for the country. As Scotland searches for stability and a new path forward, the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the nation’s future.