THE SNP have hit back at claims from Douglas Alexander that Scotland has “nothing to show” for two decades of discussions on independence.
The Scottish Secretary, who took on the job after Ian Murray was sacked during Keir Starmer's reshuffle earlier this month, told the Sunday Times that for progress to be made independence should be put on the backburner.
Alexander has repeatedly refused to set out Scotland's democratic route to independence since he was elected in 2024.
In response, the SNP pointed out that as part of the UK since the referendum, Scotland has suffered from repeated financial crises, Brexit, and falling living standards.
“For 20 years, the focus of Scottish politics has been on independence,” Alexander said.
“I would argue we literally have nothing to show for it.
“I would challenge people to show evidence where Scottish public life has got better significantly in the last 20 years, and yet, if you look at what really makes for success in today’s world, it is networks of collaboration and creativity.”
In the same interview, Alexander claimed he was keen to use his new position to build relations with the Scottish Government rather than start fights. He suggested he may not have blocked Holyrood ’s gender reforms from becoming law, as then-Tory Scottish secretary Alister Jack did.
“I have no interest in performative disagreements with the Scottish Government for the sake of political advantage,” he told the newspaper.
“I am much more interested in working effectively to advance the interests of Scotland, both within the UK system, and speaking up for Scotland.”
Alexander previously served as Scottish Secretary under Tony Blair between 2006 and 2007. He would later lose his Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat to Mhairi Black 2015.
In response, SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said: "As part of the UK, Scotland has endured a financial crisis, Brexit, Liz Truss' disastrous mini budget and falling living standards.
"Since winning power last year, Labour has made things even worse with soaring energy bills, rampant inflation and a weak economy, all while throwing £40 billion of public money at nuclear power which won't come to fruition for at least another decade.
"The SNP in government is delivering for Scots and keeping key bills down by scrapping peak rail fares, bringing down NHS waiting times, and supporting families with a package of childcare worth £6,000.
"Labour will always treat Scotland as an afterthought.
"Only the SNP is on Scotland's side, arguing for a fresh start with independence."
It comes ahead of First Minister John Swinney putting forward his independence strategy at the party’s upcoming conference in Aberdeen in October.
SNP members have been asked to back the leader's strategy that would see a majority of SNP MSPs at Holyrood 2026 being elected as a mandate for a second referendum.
However, rebel members are seeking to lodge an amendment that would change this to all pro-independence parties on the regional list.
