JEANE Freeman has called for the Yes movement to stop “fighting internally” and focus on securing independence.
The Health Secretary said Scotland must “get to the point where we have the powers of a normal country and then we can argue about what to do with them”.
READ MORE: Jeane Freeman: ‘We need to win independence before fighting amongst ourselves'
In an exclusive interview with National columnist Ruth Wishart, she said: “Progressive movements are littered with failures because of fighting internally – which is mad!
“Donald Dewar said we are a disputatious nation and we are. But my view is let’s get to the point where we have the powers of a normal country and then we can argue about what to do with them to our heart’s content. She went on: “But let’s get them first. And the way we get them is to convince more and more people that collectively we can do this. We won’t convince them if we look like it’s a bunch of egos fighting.”
Freeman argued the average independence supporter is more preoccupied with health, staying safe and staying employed than by arguments about power.
“And if we suddenly get into a major back and forth with the UK government then we run the risk of losing people because they don’t know what we’re talking about,” she added.
READ MORE: Independence: Nicola Sturgeon to unveil referendum plans
When asked whether the Yes movement has lost people because of a perceived lack of urgency due to Brexit and coronavirus, Freeman responded: “Well you’re suggesting the only people who can get involved are the government. It doesn’t mean the movement shouldn’t be raising these issues and putting a spotlight on what is happening.
“The movement needs to pay attention to people like Mike Russell fighting these battles every single day on behalf of the government. He’s not flying by the seat of his pants. And, to be blunt, if the movement doesn’t know that then it’s not paying attention.”
Read the full interview in tomorrow's edition of The National
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel