SNP leadership election debate as it happened: Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan clash in STV debate
The debate is live on STV and will give members of the public a chance to see the candidates who are battling it out to become Scotland’s next First Minister.
Members of the public will also be able to put questions towards the candidates as part of the debate.
We bring you live updates from the debate, including all the talking points, key arguments and more.
SNP leadership election debate RECAP Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan clash in STV debate
Opening statements are underway - Ash Regan opens saying that the SNP has lost its way and that a vote in the ballot is the only way to gain independence. She says “The SNP has lost its way. There’s been no progress on independence in the last few years despite the worst UK Governments of all time.
“We used to grow support for independence by governing wisely.”
Humza Yousaf opens up to the whole nation saying that he will build on the SNP Government’s links to create a better Scotland for future generations and a ‘wellbeing economy’ which ‘leaves no one behind’.
“I will build support for independence to new heights, where the will of the Scottish people can no longer be denied.
“I will build a well-being economy with people at the heart, so we can ensure that every child in Scotland, like my girls, has the best start in life.”
Kate Forbes says “It’s time for change. Continuity won’t cut it. Tonight, I offer a new start for Scotland.
“A radical, new vision based on the massive potential of this nation. To be both prosperous and socially just.
The first question from STV political editor Colin Mackay asks how Scotland will secure independence under the candidates.
And the clashes have already started.
It may be cold outside but the temperature is already rising! Ash Regan says that Humza Yousaf is not part of a government that stands up to Westminster and is going ‘cap in hand’
Kate Forbes says that the only way to win independence is to win over those who have not yet decided.
What has been said on independence so far
Ash Regan: “We’ve been spending many years now seeking what I’m going to define as a moral mandate, so we’re winning election after election, we have these moral mandates, and then we’re going cap-in-hand to Westminster and we’re begging them to give us what is really an advisory referendum”
Humza Yousaf said: “The way we get independence is to ensure we build popular support - consistent majority support for independence will mean those political obstacles that are put up by Westminster, they will be overcome.”
Kate Forbes said: “We’ll get independence when we’ve persuaded a majority of people in Scotland to vote for independence and that requires a leader that doesn’t just inspire the Yes movement but can also reach out to those who are not yet persuaded. It also means putting the economy front and centre and showing we have got a prospectus that demonstrates how Scotland can be fairer, wealthier and greener.”
Kate Forbes asks Humza Yousaf if he is for continuity is he simply the “no change candidate”
Humza Yousaf says he will work to find compromise.
In case you were in any doubt, the gloves are off.
During the debate Ash Regan says she spoke to the leaders of all the pro-independence parties in Scotland and “they are all very excited to take part in my independence convention”. Patrick Harvie has since said however that claim is her claim is “simply, plainly false” adding: “The Scottish Greens are not endorsing a candidate - this is an election for SNP member”