A time to heal, a time to build up
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
As I pen this post, there is a sombre air of disappointment and regret in the realm of Scottish Politics. The pressing news of Humza Yousaf’s resignation as the First Minister of Scotland has left a sense of heavy-heartedness pervading my words. Humza’s resignation, while profoundly saddening, was necessary, owing to the erosion of trust that weaved its way into the fabric of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Greens.
Co-leader Patrick Harvie’s heartfelt words have echoed my sentiments: “Humza Yousaf is right to resign. His position was no longer tenable…” This was not a dismissal gleefully awaited but a resignation necessitated by the shattering of confidence that threatened to disintegrate both parties from within.
As Harvie stated, it is admirable that Humza accepted personal responsibility for ending the Bute House Agreement unilaterally. This decision toppled the scaffolding of a stable, majority government and compromised the essential progressive agenda both parties had pledged to work towards. The disappointment is profound, but now we must venture back on the path to stability, towards the rebuilding of the SNP and the wider electorate’s trust.
Despite this unfortunate circumstance, we must remember, the SNP remains the largest party in Parliament by a significant margin. It holds the right to form a minority government and with the unwavering perseverance of the Scottish Greens in opposition, we have the oppotunity to restore equilibrium in Scottish politics.
What transpired in the past week is undoubtedly disheartening. Yet, amidst the disappointment, we must remind ourselves not to dwell in the past. This moment in Scottish politics is pivotal, and our focus must be future-forward. Scotland stands at a precipice, an opportunity for redefining our political landscape, where integrity, trust, and values must form our cornerstone.
We must hold ourselves accountable for creating this new era of Scottish politics, regardless of our party allegiances. It is our shared responsibility that defines the country we build for future generations. The Scottish Greens have vowed to partake in this process echoing their long-held commitment to the Scottish community.
Scotland is currently undergoing a transformation in several sectors, including tenants’ rights and the transformation of our home and building heating systems. Irrespective of who assumes the next First Minister’s helm, this indispensable work must continue. The stepping stone to a robust, resilient, inclusive future for Scotland lies in ensuring that our politics prioritises people and planet.
As we brace ourselves for the arrival of our next First Minister, let’s remember Harvie’s powerful words: “Trust matters, integrity matters, values matter.” Whoever steps into this critical role, one must never overlook these principles, nor the political alliances that make Scotland’s political area so rich and varied. The Scottish people demand, and indeed, deserve better.
Just as the dawn follows the darkest night, so too will the Scottish political landscape find a way through this testing time. We must regroup, rebuild and prove, once again, the resilience and commitment of Scottish politics to uphold social justice.