Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bute House Agreement to remain until 2026, former SNP Westminster leader says

Ian Blackford said the agreement ‘remains the right thing to do’.

Ryan McDougall
Sunday 13 August 2023 14:59 EDT
Ian Blackford says the Bute House Agreement will remain in place until 2026 (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Ian Blackford says the Bute House Agreement will remain in place until 2026 (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The SNP-Greens Bute House Agreement will stay in place until 2026, the SNP’s former Westminster leader has said.

Speaking at a live talk show with co-hosts Ian Dale and Jacqui Smith on Sunday, Ian Blackford MP said the agreement “remains the right thing to do”.

Speaking to the audience at the Pleasance EICC, he said: “The Bute House Agreement was the right thing to do, and it will remain in place over the lifetime of this parliament.”

Mr Blackford then dismissed the Alba party’s idea of pro-independence parties coming together as a United Scotland.

He said: “Let’s just remember that we’ve had the council elections not that long ago in Scotland, 1,100 seats up for grabs – the Alba Party won zero.

“So the idea that there’s scope for an electoral alliance where our cause will be assisted by making an alignment with other parties I’m afraid is for the birds.”

Mr Blackford then spoke of any possibility of Alex Salmond returning to the SNP.

He said: “Alex Salmond is not in the SNP, he’s in another party. There is no pathway for Alex Salmond to return.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in