‘No shortcut’ to Scottish independence, admit SNP hopefuls in brutal first TV debate

SNP leadership hopefuls admitted there was “no shortcut” to independence as they clashed in a brutal televised debate.

Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes admitted during a 70-minute hustings in Glasgow that it would take time to make the case for Scotland to leave the union in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon’s shock departure.

Mr Yousaf said independence was “normal and it is inevitable”, but acknowledged he had to “build support for independence to new heights” before it reflected the overwhelming will of Scottish voters.

Ms Forbes, the current Finance Secretary, also conceded it would only be achieved “when we’ve convinced a majority of people” through a focus on economic growth.

However, outsider candidate Ash Regan attacked her rivals for going “cap-in-hand to Westminster”, insisting every election going forward must be treated as a de facto vote on leaving the UK.