The future of the Queen’s role as head of state in an independent Scotland has been thrown into question by a senior SNP minister.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said it would “be for the people of Scotland to decide” if the monarch would retain the role if Scotland votes to leave the UK later this year.
The comment – made at a public meeting – undermines the official policy that the monarchy would be automatically retained, a stance which reflects the popularity of the Queen north of the border.
However, it is thought the claim – as well as the suggestion that Scottish residents could go to the vote over the issue – will cheer republican SNP supporters, including a number of ministers.
Mr MacAskill made the comment after being asked if Scotland could ever become a republic.
He said: “The position of the Scottish Government is that we will inherit the situation we have with the Queen as the head of state in the ceremonial capacity that she has.
“She will not interfere with the government of the day, which she doesn’t do, to her credit. But it will be for the people of Scotland to decide.
“If and when that would occur, if they wished to have a referendum, and we would hope we would become the government post-2016, it will be for whoever is in office then.”
A string of other SNP ministers have also raised the prospect of a referendum on ditching the Queen as head of state, including Culture and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell.
Last night Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said he feared Mr MacAskill’s stance was reflective of the true Nationalist policy and warned Mr Salmond would struggle to contain republican views after a Yes vote.
He said: “You have to wonder whether there is truly anyone in Yes Scotland’s leadership or the SNP, other than the first minister, who is in tune with the Scottish public’s continuing affection and support for the monarchy.
“There is surely little doubt that whatever promises and assertions are made before the referendum they would count for nothing if Scotland were to be seduced into voting Yes.
“This motley alliance, including Kenny MacAskill, would then be doing all they could to pursue their minority republican views and it would be a tiger whose tail even Alex Salmond would struggle to hold.”