ALLIANCE statement following the First Minister’s resignation
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 30th April 2024

Regardless of who is First Minister, there must be progress on social care reform, human rights, and health inequalities.
This week, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced his intention to resign, pending the appointment of a successor. The ALLIANCE has enjoyed a positive working relationship with Mr Yousaf during his time as Health Secretary and First Minister. We welcomed his consistent support for investment in community-based approaches through the Self Management Fund, and for the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience, including in the design of a post mesh service. We were also pleased to welcome him to speak at our 2022 Annual Conference, at the Self Management Awards, and on an ALLIANCE Live podcast. We wish him the best for the future.
The ALLIANCE recognises that the current political and financial circumstances in Scotland are challenging. However, regardless of who the next First Minister is, it is essential that they do not lose sight of the need to make progress on NHS recovery, rebalancing healthcare investment towards prevention, reform of social care in line with the Feeley Review, reducing health inequalities, maximally incorporating human rights, and the long term stability of the third sector. This must be underpinned by a fair and sustainable approach to taxation and revenue raising, which works towards realising human rights and delivering on the government’s obligations to tackle poverty and climate change.
The ALLIANCE will continue to engage constructively as a critical friend of the Scottish Government over the coming period. We also trust that the Scottish Parliament as a whole shares our desire to see the best possible outcomes for disabled people, people living with long term conditions, and unpaid carers, as part of wider progress on building a fairer, more equitable society.
End of page.
You may also like:
The ALLIANCE welcomes the proposed strategy, though a Human Rights Bill is necessary for full effect.
Continue readingObesity Action Scotland wants to stop unhealthy food sponsorship at Scottish sports events including the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Continue readingResidents of Leith’s famous Banana Flats (Cables Wynd House) have launched their human rights monitoring report.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) report finds troubling failures in progress from institutionalisation to independent living.
Continue readingThe updated SPSO Principles demonstrate a positive shift towards putting people and their human rights at the centre of complaints handling.
Continue readingThe Mental Welfare Commission calls for urgent changes so people with learning disability and complex needs can leave hospital and flourish.
Continue readingMinister announces parts of the National Care Service Bill will be dropped due to a lack of compromise and support.
Continue readingAre you aged 55+, living in the UK, and interested in supporting new research?
Continue readingWe have submitted a parallel report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for its examination of rights in the UK.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcome the aims of widening access to palliative care, but actions must be underpinned by resources and accountability.
Continue readingAutistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland celebrate the success of the Embrace Autism programme.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE wants to hear from you if you have experienced barriers to accessing Self-Directed Support.
Continue readingThe First Minister has reiterated his commitment to the continuation of Contact Scotland BSL.
Continue readingThe Policy and Public Affairs programme influenced government policy in many areas over 2024.
Continue readingRaising awareness of key areas of women’s health, challenging myths and stigma through positive dialogue, and lived experience forums.
Continue readingWhilst the draft Covenant is a positive start, it is unclear how it's aims will be realised in practice.
Continue readingWho Cares? Scotland publishes their third Lifelong Rights Issue Paper on Belonging and Connections.
Continue readingSHRC publishes State of the Nation report examining the civil and political rights of all people in Scotland.
Continue readingFill out a survey to share your experiences as a single parent in accessing higher education.
Continue readingALLIANCE signs joint letter calling on political leaders to reaffirm UK commitment to human rights obligations on Human Rights Day 2024.
Continue readingGMC Scotland have published a new report which analyses trends in the medical workforce across the UK.
Continue readingThe government is working with Public Health Scotland to support NHS Boards to operate as effective 'Anchor' institutions.
Continue readingHave your say in Public Health Scotland's (PHS) equality outcome consultation.
Continue readingNHS Education for Scotland (NES) are currently consulting on their equality outcomes for 2025-29.
Continue readingOrganisations across Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to prioritise the Scottish Human Rights Bill.
Continue reading