SNP MPs ‘have no ideas and no desire for indy’ claim Alba members

SNP MPs at Westminster have no ideas and no strong desire for independence, two of their former colleagues have claimed, and insist the “time is now” for a constitutional break-up.

Kenny MacAskill and Neale Hanvey blasted some members of their old party and said they have spent more time “planning for COP26 attendance” than they have for another referendum.

The pair, who left the SNP last month to join Alex Salmond’s Alba party, said that they did so as a result of frustrations with the

SNP Westminster group, their cosy relationship with the Westminster establishment, and their apparent lack of commitment to securing independence.

Mr MacAskill, Alba MP for East Lothian, said: “There’s more planning ongoing in the group, as far as I can see, for COP26 attendance than there is for a referendum.

“Discussions began when I went to the first group meeting, raising issues such as what are we going to do to address the border, which is now the biggest issue rather than perhaps sterling. I’ve heard nothing further, heard nothing on that.

“My reason for leaving the SNP has been to do with exit strategy and independence … there is just very little in the

Westminster group. I have friends there who will remain friends so I’m not going to be overly critical, I just disagree with the strategy which is why I’ve chosen to join Alba.”

The former Scottish Government justice secretary also cast doubt on the party’s wider plan, saying there is “simply no strategy” for independence.

He said: “The time is now, the British state is at its weakest. The need has never been higher because of the challenges that we face coming out of coronavirus, the effect on the economy ... The impact that will have on those who are already suffering austerity.

“There simply is no strategy. I have yet to see one in this new SNP.” Mr MacAskill also rubbished the party’s independence “task force” announced by depute leader Keith Brown in January.

Former MSP Marco Biagi was appointed as its campaign strategist, with the intention of the unit to “fire up” the Yes movement.

However, Mr MacAskill said it was not all it had been presented as, adding: “Without giving away secrets of meetings, both Neale and I attended a meeting in which Marco Biagi was present about the establishment of a task force. It seems to me there is no task force for independence. There is one guy commissioning opinion polling. There is no strategy being conducted by the SNP leadership, and the Yes movement and huge swathes of the SNP are crying out for action.”