Scottish National Party and Scottish Green Party Power-Sharing Agreement Ends Abruptly

The Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish Green Party power-sharing agreement has ended abruptly on April 25, 2024, signaling new turmoil for the SNP. First Minister Humza Yousaf terminated the Bute House Agreement, which was signed by the two parties following the Holyrood election in 2021.

The move comes after the government's decision to scrap climate targets and pause the prescription of puberty blockers for under 18s, which sparked anger from the Greens. The Conservatives have said they will hold a vote of no confidence in Humza Yousaf, and the SNP is now a minority government that will need to win the support of opposition MSPs to get its program approved by the Scottish Parliament.

The Greens have accused the SNP of "selling out future generations" and said they were prepared to put their own political careers on the line to defend their achievements in government. The Scottish Greens co-leaders, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, are no longer part of the Scottish government following the termination of the agreement.

Why this matters: The collapse of the power-sharing deal has plunged Scottish politics into a new crisis. It leaves the SNP running as a minority government, two seats short of a majority in the Scottish parliament, and facing a potential no-confidence vote in First Minister Humza Yousaf.

The decision to end the agreement also comes amid ongoing financial investigations within the SNP, with former chief executive Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon's husband, being charged with embezzlement. The SNP is facing stiff opposition from Labour in the upcoming UK general election and has seen its fortunes falter since a funding scandal and the resignation of a party leader last year.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has lodged a vote of no confidence in Yousaf, calling him "a failed first minister" and "unfit for office." The Scottish Greens have described the end of the partnership as an "act of political cowardice" by the SNP and a betrayal of the electorate. The events have exposed divisions within the SNP and raised questions about Yousaf's leadership and the party's future direction.

Key Takeaways

• SNP and Scottish Greens end 3-year power-sharing deal over climate, LGBTQ policies.
• SNP now a minority government, faces no-confidence vote and opposition from Conservatives.
• Greens accuse SNP of "selling out future generations", withdraw from Scottish government.
• Collapse of deal plunges Scottish politics into crisis, exposes divisions within SNP.
• SNP faces ongoing financial investigations, stiff opposition in upcoming UK election.