What MPs said in their tributes to ‘deep and lasting legacy’ of Alex Salmond
Alex Salmond leaves a “deep and lasting legacy” following his sudden death, MPs have heard in Commons tributes to the former Scottish First Minister.
Mr Salmond, who led the SNP before later founding the Alba Party, died from a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia.
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Hide AdThe 69-year-old was elected as an MP for the Banff and Buchan constituency in 1987 and later represented Gordon.
In an afternoon session of tributes, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn claimed it was now time for the nationalist movement to live up to Mr Salmond’s legacy.
He said: “In wee hours of the 9th of June 2021, I watched on as the most talented, formidable and consequential politician of his generation, a man who had represented the people of Banff and Buchan, Aberdeenshire East and Gordon, a man who had served for two terms, as the first minister of Scotland, lost his parliamentary seat for the first time in 30 years. It's a moment that I will never forget, not because of the nature of his defeat, but for what happened next.
“Because within just a few moments, Alex Salmond took to the podium and gave a speech which despite all of the despair, which those of us in the SNP felt in the room that night, made us feel 10 feet tall. He gave us back the hope that things would get better and we'd get better quickly.
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Hide Ad“Alex gave all of us in the SNP the belief that what we felt in our hearts was worth fighting for, the belief that we could one day become an independent nation and Alex Salmond took us so very close to making that belief a reality.
It’s of great personal sorrow to me that Alex Salmond will not live to see Scotland become an independent nation.
“The challenge for all of us now in the Nationalist movement is to make sure that we put good his legacy, and deliver the future he so badly fought for throughout his distinguished parliamentary career.”
Scotland Secretary Ian Murray said his impact was “profound” and referenced Mr Salmond’s wife, Moira.
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Hide AdHe told MPs: “Moira has already been mentioned, members, some may not be aware though, but it was actually the Scotland office which brought Moira and Alex together, meeting as colleagues in that department before marrying in 1981. My thoughts are also with those whose relationships with him had broken down in recent years and those who are finding this time difficult as they deal with a range of different emotions.
“In the short period when our careers in this place overlapped, I was always impressed with Alex's formidable oratory and debating style. No member of any side of this house was given an easy ride.
“He's left behind an indelible mark on Scottish politics and public life. I know many, an independence movement and beyond will miss him.”
Earlier, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay had shared his own tribute.
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Hide AdHe said: “He served the people of Scotland for over 30 years as a member of this House, a member of the Scottish Parliament and, of course, two terms as first minister of Scotland.
“He was a tireless campaigner for Scottish independence, securing the UK government’s agreement for the 2014 referendum and playing a leading role in the Yes campaign.
“His final departure from this House was in 2017. It marked the first occasion in more than three decades when he was not serving in an elected role at either here or Holyrood.
“He leaves a deep and lasting legacy behind him. His sudden death at the weekend came as a complete shock and the thoughts of this whole House are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
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