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SNP leadership candidates quizzed on the Stone of Destiny

(Photo by Jane Barlow-Pool/Getty Images)

Today was the penultimate party hustings of the SNP leadership contest, this time with Glasgow party members quizzing the leadership contenders. Did they want to know about what the next leader of the SNP thinks about the constitution perhaps, or the race to save Scotland’s NHS? Not quite. Instead, it appears what really matters to the SNP membership is, erm, the Stone of Destiny, ITV Borders and, naturally, berating England.

One member asked at the hustings:


‘We thought we were entitled to a referendum; Westminster said no. We passed the gender recognition [reform bill], ‘no’. Now coming up is a coronation. Do they want our stone? Oh yes. Will they ask us? No, they’ll just take it. If they want it, they’ll have to ask. Our answer will be what?’

This is about principle, Humza Yousaf agreed vehemently, drawing in the gender bill in case anyone was confused about the significance of a Scottish stone.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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