Humza Yousaf has declined to provide any comments on the ongoing investigation into SNP finances, sparking calls for a progress update from the police. The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, was initiated in July 2021 following complaints regarding the party's use of donations designated for independence campaigning. The investigation gained momentum in spring 2023 when officers searched a property owned by Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive. Sturgeon and Murrell were both interviewed by detectives but were later released without charge. The investigation's duration and cost have raised concerns, as no report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal yet. Yousaf was asked about his preference for concluding the investigation before the upcoming general election campaign, to which he reiterated his stance of not commenting on an ongoing police investigation.
Humza Yousaf has refused to comment on the long-running investigation into SNP finances amid calls for police to provide an update on its progress. Detectives launched Operation Branchform in July 2021 following complaints over how the party had spent donations supposedly ring-fenced for independence campaigning.
The investigation was ramped up in spring 2023 when a house belonging to Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, was searched by officers for two days. Sturgeon and Murrell were also both separately interviewed by detectives for several hours last year before being released without charge. The former first minister has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Questions have been since been asked over the cost and length of time Branchform has taken with as yet no report being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Appearing on BBC Scotland today, Youasf was asked if he would prefer the investigation to be concluded before the general election campaign later this year. "I've been asked this question for almost a year, since I've been party leader, and my response has been the same," the First Minister said. "I think it's important for me not to comment on a live police investigation. If I did so, if I answered your question, it could be seen as prejudicing an ongoing inquiry. "And I don't intend to do that. It can be, frankly, difficult at times. But it's important to me not to commen
Humza Yousaf SNP Finances Investigation Operation Branchform Nicola Sturgeon Peter Murrell Police Donations Independence Campaigning Procurator Fiscal General Election
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Humza Yousaf clashes with SNP MSP John Mason over abortion buffer zonesJohn Mason said 'no one is being harassed' outside abortion services during First Minister's Questions on Thursday.
Read more »
Humza Yousaf claims general election is race between SNP and ToriesThe First Minister will use a speech in Perth to claim the general election is a 'historic chance' to make Scotland 'Tory free'.
Read more »
SNP 'must win' general election as Humza Yousaf rallies activistsThe First Minister addressed around 200 activists in Perth Concert Hall on Saturday at the party's 'campaign council' in effect a mini-party conference.
Read more »
SNP MP distances himself from Humza Yousaf 'Tory free' general election strategyVeteran Nationalist Pete Wishart said he wouldn't use a 'vote SNP to make Scotland Tory free' slogan while he campaigns to keep his seat in Perth.
Read more »
Ross targets pro-union voters to pressure Humza YousafThe Scottish Tory leader takes aim at the first minister's track record at his party conference.
Read more »
Emma Caldwell's mother to meet First Minister Humza YousafMargaret Caldwell is calling for an inquiry after it emerged police missed the chance to catch her daughter's killer.
Read more »