Gillian Mackay has said a pro independence majority in the Scottish Parliament will depend on a strong return of Green MSPs.

The comments come as debate continues over how an independence majority could be secured at the upcoming election.

Mackay has called on John Swinney to acknowledge the role of multiple parties in delivering such a majority.

She said:

“Independence is much bigger than any party, and we need to work together to deliver it.

“It’s time for John Swinney to level with people and stop pretending that it is only SNP MSPs that count.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher.

“With Keir Starmer’s Labour Party shedding trust and votes and the very real prospect of Nigel Farage in Downing Street, it has never been more crucial for Scotland to choose our own future.

“The people of Scotland deserve so much better than what Labour is offering.

“Why should we be stuck with a Prime Minister so bad that even Anas Sarwar wants rid of him?

“Independence is about democracy and the simple principle that the best people to choose our own future are the people who live here.

“But poll after poll shows that the only way to ensure a pro independence majority in our parliament is with a record vote for the Scottish Greens.

“We can’t trust Labour, Tories or Reform with devolution.

“They would only put up more hurdles, continue to attack our democracy and shut down our chances of securing an independent future.

“The Scottish Greens have shown what we can do with the limited powers of our parliament, delivering free bus travel for young people, scrapping peak rail fares and wiping out school meal debt for vulnerable families.

“With the powers of a normal independent country we could finally move on from the broken politics of Westminster and do so much more for our climate and our communities.

“Without a pro independence majority that opportunity will be taken off the agenda, possibly for good.

“We can’t risk that.

“Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for a fairer, greener and independent Scotland in Europe.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone who supports independence to demand better by voting Green on May 7th.”

The role of smaller parties in shaping parliamentary majorities is expected to remain a key issue as the election approaches.

With different parties making competing arguments about how independence could be achieved, the question of cooperation versus single party strength is likely to stay central to the campaign.