Janice R. Andrews
SNP leader Humza Yousaf has taken a risk by indicating a change in tone as the party gets ready for a possible general election later this year. With Rishi Sunak’s recent pronouncement that an election is inevitable, political gamesmanship has begun, and Yousaf did not spend much time laying out his plan in a speech on Friday in Glasgow.
Yousaf was more concerned with potential Labour voters in Scotland who might be considering supporting independence from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak than he was with party loyalists. He gave them the assurance that by siding with the SNP, they would be able to accomplish both objectives and maintain the independence movement while driving out the Conservatives.
The leader of the SNP claims that Scottish seats will not affect the outcome of the general election since Sir Keir Starmer’s lead in the UK-wide polls is so great. Thus, in order to guarantee that the independence agenda stays a top priority, Yousaf contends that those who support independence should support the SNP.
This tactic represents a modest change in approach, echoing the recent cautionary statement made by SNP MP Tommy Sheppard that the independence debate might come to an end if Scotland lost the election. Yousaf insists that the absence of SNP MPs will harm not only the party but also the larger independence cause, even if he denies issuing a threat.
Although the SNP’s conventional messaging has focused on the chances for success, Yousaf’s most recent remarks appear to emphasise the possible consequences of a lacklustre performance. He promotes the SNP as the party that most closely reflects the goals of independence supporters, urging them to cast their ballots for causes they support.
There are doubts about the strategy, since concerns have been expressed on the precise effect that an overwhelming majority of SNP MPs would have on the advancement of independence.
Campaign message resolved
While some party members are happy to see a more direct campaign message, others are worried that voters’ discontent with the SNP/Green government’s performance will spark a backlash.
Seeing its chance, Scottish Labour feels that voters fed up with the current system of government might punish the SNP even if they are pro-independence. They contend that Scottish MPs can have an impact on the UK government by supporting Labour candidates.
While SNP leader Humza Yousaf focuses on election preparations, addressing issues within the party as well as his ministerial duties, the crucial question still stands: Will voters embrace this new campaign approach, or is it a dangerous gamble in an unpredictable political environment? The results of an election that might take place months from now will only become clear with time.
