Scotland’s new First Minister vows to argue ‘tirelessly’ for independence

Humza Yousaf was speaking after being elected into the top job in Scottish politics by MSPs.

Humza Yousaf vowed to argue ‘tirelessly’ for Scottish independence in his first speech after becoming Scotland’s new First Minister (Jane Barlow/PA)

Scotland’s new First Minister Humza Yousaf has promised he will “argue tirelessly for independence” – despite facing calls from the UK Government to put the SNP’s “obsession” aside.

In his first speech after being voted into the job by MSPs, the new SNP leader insisted his Government will be “able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent”.

In a sideswipe at the Conservatives in Westminster, who have blocked Holyrood reforms of the gender recognition process, Mr Yousaf also said the Scottish Government would be less effective “if we allow the UK Government to arbitrarily veto this Parliament’s legislation”.