First Minister told ‘warm words inadequate’

Former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has called for “more governance” from Scottish ministers, arguing “warm words are inadequate”.

In The Sunday Times, Mr MacAskill warned Nicola Sturgeon not to take voters for granted, and learn lessons from Labour’s demise in Scotland.

The SNP remains buoyant in the polls while Labour – once the dominant force north of the border – has shrunk to third party status at Holyrood.

But Mr MacAskill – axed in Ms Sturgeon’s first Cabinet reshuffle in 2014, and stood down as an MSP in 2016 – said there are still “underlying issues” for the SNP.

He said in some areas, such as fracking and social security powers, there had been “lots of talk, but less action”.

“That’s proven inadequate for most mainstream European social democratic parties. The housing schemes cannot be taken for granted, as Labour found to its cost,” he wrote.

“Moreover, the criticism of Labour about a plethora of consultations and reviews, is in danger of being replicated. It is action not rhetoric that’s needed in critical areas.

“For example, how many discussions or debates does it take to make your mind up on fracking? Moreover, a plan to make social security a human right is worthy but for the poor and dispossessed it is action now that is wanted. Warm words are inadequate.

“The First Minister campaigns relentlessly but more governance by her ministers might be better.”

An SNP spokeswoman said: “From free medicine to free education, when it comes to public services, households in Scotland get the best deal anywhere in the UK. This Scottish Social Contract was a central plank of the manifesto in which the SNP Government was reelected just last year.”