The Scottish Greens have called on unionist parties to respect what they describe as a clear democratic mandate for Scottish independence following the Holyrood election result.
The party says the election returned a pro independence majority to the Scottish Parliament with 73 MSPs elected across parties supporting Scottish independence, including what the Greens described as a record breaking number of Green MSPs.
Scottish Greens co leader Gillian Mackay said unionist parties could not simply dismiss the outcome because they disagreed with it politically.
“Scotland has spoken, returning a clear pro independence majority to Holyrood, and unionist parties must respect that.
“The democratic mandate cannot simply be dismissed because Labour, the Tories, Reform or the Lib Dems do not like the result.
“This new record breaking number of Scottish Green MSPs represents a rejection of Westminster control and a demand for Scotland’s voice to be heard.
“People voted for MSPs who believe Scotland should have the right to choose its own future.”
The constitutional question once again dominated much of the Scottish election campaign with independence supporting parties arguing the result strengthens the case for a future referendum, while unionist parties continue insisting the issue was settled in the 2014 vote.
The Scottish Greens have consistently argued that Scotland’s constitutional future should be determined by the Scottish Parliament and voters in Scotland rather than by Westminster.
Mackay also criticised the UK Government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer over continued opposition to another referendum.
“Keir Starmer, the UK Government and Westminster cannot keep pretending that Scotland’s future is not up for discussion.
“Westminster has no right to block, ignore or undermine the democratic will of the people of Scotland.
“It is now crucial that John Swinney and the Scottish Government deliver on its promise to the people of Scotland, and give Scotland its right to choose its own future.
“The Scottish Greens will use our record mandate to stand up for Scotland’s right to choose, for climate justice, for equality, and for a fairer future beyond Westminster’s broken politics.”
The latest intervention adds further pressure on First Minister John Swinney and the SNP leadership as independence supporting parties seek to translate the parliamentary majority into a renewed constitutional strategy during the new Holyrood term.
While pro independence parties argue the election result provides a fresh democratic mandate, opponents continue to argue that issues such as the economy, public services and healthcare remain voters’ primary concerns.
The constitutional debate is now expected to remain central to Scottish politics throughout the new parliamentary session.
