Scotland's former leader Alex Salmond dies aged 69

FRANCE 24 English

Visit our website: http://www.france24.com  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English  Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/France24_en

Transcript

00:00Next, tributes have been pouring in for Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland,

00:04who for decades championed Scotland's independence from the UK.

00:08The ex-Scottish National Party leader collapsed and died on Saturday at the age of 69,

00:14shortly after delivering a speech in North Macedonia.

00:17Salmond was leader in Scotland between 2007 and 2014 and is best known

00:22for calling that 2014 referendum on leaving the UK.

00:26The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has paid homage to Salmond, calling him a monumental figure

00:31of Scottish and UK politics who leaves behind a lasting legacy,

00:35a sentiment echoed by Scotland's First Minister John Sweeney. Take a listen.

00:40This is desperately sad news that Alex Salmond has died and I extend my deepest condolences

00:46to his wife Moira and to his family. This is a moment that individuals will reflect

00:53on the exceptional leadership and contribution that Alex Salmond has given to public life in

00:58Scotland with his service in the House of Commons and in the Scottish Parliament and

01:03especially as the First Minister of Scotland. He took the Scottish National Party from the

01:08fringes of Scottish politics to become the Government of Scotland and he took Scotland

01:14incredibly close to becoming independent. He has made a huge contribution to the

01:19public life of Scotland over his life.

Category

Transcript

Recommended