PM Rishi Sunak speaks to new First Minister Humza Yousaf

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken to new First Minister Humza Yousaf, congratulating him on his appointment.

Afterwards, Yousaf said the call with the PM had been “constructive”, and included discussions on helping people through the cost of living crisis.

Yousaf added he “made clear” that he expects Scotland’s “democratic wishes” to be respected by the UK Government.

Sunak confirmed the call, and added he is “looking forward” to delivering on things that “matter most to people across Scotland”.

It comes just hours after the PM rejected the idea that the next UK general election should be viewed as a de facto referendum on Scottish independence.

Just spoken with PM @RishiSunak – we had a constructive discussion on a range of issues, including helping people through the cost of living crisis.

I also made clear that I expect the democratic wishes of Scotland's people and Parliament to be respected by the UK Government.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 28, 2023

Throughout his campaign for the SNP leadership, Yousaf has said every election should be fought over the issue of independence.

As First Minister, Yousaf said he would “kickstart” a grassroots campaign that would “ensure our drive for independence is in fifth gear”.

On Tuesday afternoon, hours after Yousaf was elected by MSPs as the next First Minister, the Prime Minister told MPs that he was “looking forward to having a dialogue” with Yousaf.

I’ve just spoken to @HumzaYousaf to congratulate him on becoming the new First Minister of Scotland.

I’m looking forward to working with him to deliver on the priorities that matter most to people across Scotland – from cutting NHS waiting lists to growing our economy.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 28, 2023

Asked if he had already rejected the new First Minister’s call for a second independence referendum, Sunak told Westminster’s Liaison Committee: “I have not had the opportunity to talk to the new First Minister yet, so I look forward to doing that.”

He added: “I think in elections people vote on all sorts of different things and I don’t think it’s appropriate to try and hijack a general election for one issue.”

He said the “people in Scotland will vote on the various issues they think are important to them”, adding that Scots had their voice heard in 2014.

The Prime Minister continued: “As I’ve always said, I think actually what people in Scotland want is to see their two governments working together to deliver for them.”

Sunak has consistently ruled out granting the Scottish Government a Section 30 order, which would allow it to hold a referendum on independence.