McArthur responds to SNP leadership result

Responding to the election of the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said:

“I congratulate Humza Yousaf on his election. As the first member of an ethnic minority to lead the SNP, and in all likelihood the country, he deserves credit for this significant achievement.

“Those hoping for a change in direction or a focus on the day job, however, will be left feeling disappointed. Rather than choosing to focus on the challenges facing our health and care services, education or Scotland’s faltering economy, Mr Yousaf appears only to have eyes for independence. 

“From an islander perspective, Mr Yousaf’s declaration that there will be ‘no empty promises or easy soundbites’ will have come as something of a surprise. People in Orkney are still waiting for the RET on Pentland Firth routes that, as the former Transport Minister, Mr Yousaf promised back in 2018.

“Getting round to delivering this ‘empty promise’ would be a good start, but Mr Yousaf could also usefully confirm that he is committed to the replacement of ferries on Orkney’s internal services.”