FORMER first minister Humza Yousaf has proposed an international solution to break the “impasse” between Holyrood and Westminster on the constitutional issue.
Yousaf suggested bringing in a foreign “third party” to help mediate the competing ideologies of Scotland’s governments in Edinburgh and Westminster.
In a Twitter/X thread reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the independence referendum, the SNP MSP said: “The UK Government clearly fears the verdict of the people of Scotland in another referendum.
“The impasse has to be broken, and both UK and Scottish governments should consider whether an international third party should be sought to negotiate a way forward between both governments.”
The former first minister, who was replaced by John Swinney (below) earlier this year, also reflected that the Yes movement must “be honest about where we've fallen short”.
He added: “We have, rightly, pointed out failures of the union, but we have not done enough to persuade people about the benefits of independence.
“That requires honesty about where there are challenges, but being confident about the incredible opportunities independence would bring.
“That goes two-ways and those who oppose independence must also be honest about the numerous promises made in 2014 that have, since, been broken.”
Yousaf said that he had “no doubt” Scotland would become an independent country in his lifetime.
During his time as first minister and SNP leader, Yousaf (below) steered through an independence strategy which would see the party winning the majority of Scottish seats at a General Election, at least 29, as a mandate for a second referendum.
The strategy also put forward an alternative to use the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum on independence.
The SNP were reduced to just nine seats in the House of Commons after the July poll.
His premiership was brought down after he fired Scottish Green ministers from government, triggering a crisis and ending the Bute House Agreement which had provided a pro-independence majority for the Scottish Government.
Since then, the SNP under John Swinney have governed as a minority government.
