THE First Minister has been urged to speak at a pro-independence rally to “speak up for Scottish democracy”.
Humza Yousaf received a letter from All Under One Banner (AUOB), which organises major Yes rallies across Scotland, to attend and speak at an event in Stirling next month.
It comes after Yousaf reneged on a commitment made before he was elected First Minister to speak at an AUOB rally on the day of the King’s coronation.
AUOB said if the SNP leader was unable to attend, he should nominate a Scottish Government minister to attend in his stead.
The letter read: “As leader of the SNP, the biggest pro-independence party political party in Scotland, Yes supporters expect you to march and speak at at least one of this year’s national demonstrations.
“As First Minister of Scotland and the head of the Scottish Government, you would represent all Scottish citizens by attending at least one of them, to speak up for Scotland’s right to decide and Scottish democracy. It would be fantastic to see you there.
“As such, do you accept our invitation to march and speak at Stirling on Saturday, June 24?
“If your answer is no, due to other commitments, then please confirm who from the SNP Government will speak on your behalf and which of this year’s national demonstrations you will attend.”
AUOB have organised other rallies from July to October in Ayr, Skye, Falkirk and Edinburgh.
The letter added: “As leader of the SNP, it is vital that you mobilise the party membership to attend the national demonstrations.”
The First Minister – who promised to be Scotland’s “First Activist” during the SNP leadership campaign – was given a deadline of Friday, May 19 to respond.
An SNP spokesperson said: “The First Minister will respond to this invite in due course.”
