Scottish Greens slammed for snubbing tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II on eve of anniversary

Tributes were paid in the Scottish Parliament to mark one year since the death of the late queen – but the Greens chose not to speak

The Scottish Greens have been slammed as “childish” and “churlish” by snubbing the late Queen during a tribute to her at the Scottish Parliament.

It is now one year since the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle.

First Minister Humza Yousaf and the leaders of the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour and the Scottish Lib Dems all paid their own tributes to the late monarch. However, the Scottish Greens snubbed the opportunity to give their own tribute and did not speak during the memorial tributes.

The Queen's coffin is taken from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Image: Scott Louden/The Scotsman.

It is understood all political parties were offered the chance to speak at the tribute on Thursday.

Donald Cameron MSP, the Scottish Conservatives’ spokesman for constitution, culture and external affairs, said this snub would be “appalling” to the majority of Scots. Speaking after the tribute, Mr Cameron said: “This is just the sort of churlish stunt we’ve come to expect from the extremist Scottish Greens.

“While their republican views are well known, the majority of Scots will be appalled that the Greens couldn’t find it within themselves to pay tribute to her late majesty one year on from her passing.

“Queen Elizabeth was widely loved across Scotland, which was clearly shown by the tens of thousands of people who lined the streets last year to pay their final respects to her. This is just another example of the Greens indulging in childish politics, rather than doing the right thing and recognising the enormous contribution her late majesty made to our nation during her 70-year reign.”

HM Queen Elizabeth II died on the 8th September 2022.

The Scottish Greens are outspoken republicans, who want to see an independent Scotland with a democratically elected head of state. Prior to King Charles III’s coronation in May, the party’s co-leader Patrick Harvie said the monarchy was not the form of governance people in Scotland want in the 21st century.

At the time, he said: “There is nothing normal or inevitable about monarchy. All around us there are small, independent countries who have elected heads of state that operate on a far more modest, democratic and tasteful basis.”

In a recent survey, only 41 per cent of Scots said an independent Scotland should keep the monarchy.

During the memorial, Mr Yousaf led the tributes to the queen. He said: “One year since the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth does present a moment for reflection on a long and dedicated life of public service.

Scottish Green Party co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater

“I’m sure colleagues will remember with great pride the beauty of Scotland’s landscape and the warmth of Scotland’s people on her majesty’s final journey. Her majesty had a deep fondness for Scotland, and it was well known it was here she chose to spend her most private family moments each summer.

“It is in the halls and gardens of Holyroodhouse where her majesty welcomed thousands of community leaders, volunteers, artists, activists, faith leaders, and essential and key workers in recognition of their service to Scotland.

“On behalf of the people of Scotland, our thoughts are with King Charles III and the rest of the royal family in their remembrance tomorrow.”