irst Minister Humza Yousaf has admitted it will be a “difficult” normal election for the SNP, however stated he was assured of victory after vowing to place independence on the high of the manifesto.

Mr Yousaf, who as chief of the SNP on Saturday led a particular convention on its technique to interrupt Scotland off from the UK, stated independence will probably be on the primary line of the get together’s manifesto.

The First Minister informed the BBC’s Sunday Show: “This is going to be a tough general election. It’s going to be a difficult general election.

“That’s why I’m going to put the case for independence as that alternative future, that better future, to the people of Scotland and I’m confident we can win that general election.”

Mr Yousaf stated profitable a majority of seats on the subsequent election would imply Holyrood begins negotiations with Westminster.

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But current polling by PanelBase has predicted the SNP will take 21 of the out there 59 Scottish seats on the subsequent election. down from their present 45. whereas Scottish Labour are predicted to win 26 seats, that means the SNP might fall in need of the bulk sought by Mr Yousaf.

Mr Yousaf informed the broadcaster on Sunday he thought a referendum was one of the simplest ways ahead, however that it had been blocked, so the following solution to check the place was by way of a normal election. Mr Yousaf informed the BBC’s Sunday Show: “The party that wins the most seats, of course, wins the general election.”

He stated: “I’m not saying to you if we win that general election Scotland suddenly becomes independent.

“What I’m saying to you is that through a democratic, lawful means, we begin negotiation with the UK Government on how to give that proposition democratic effect.”

Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s deputy chief, stated: “Humza Yousaf has made it clear – if your priority isn’t a divisive and disruptive referendum, the SNP doesn’t want your vote.”

“This is a single-issue party without a coherent plan on how to deliver on their one policy of independence,” she stated.

“The SNP has turned its back on anyone more concerned with ending the cost of living crisis, reviving our economy and rebuilding our public services.”

Meghan Gallacher, deputy chief of the Scottish Conservatives, stated Mr Yousaf’s “latest plan to push his independence obsession confirms that he has taken Nicola Sturgeon’s strategy and put it on steroids”.

“At a time when people across Scotland are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and want the SNP-Green government to focus on their real priorities, Humza Yousaf is typically obsessed with holding another divisive referendum as soon as possible,” the MSP stated.

“It is clear that the self-styled first activist is talking about his favourite subject to deflect from the chaos engulfing his party and their overwhelming failures during their 16 years in office.

“Whether it was on the health service, their ferry fiasco, the lack of dualling the A9 or the spiralling costs for a replacement Barlinnie, Humza Yousaf had no answers.”