Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has honoured the late Alex Salmond, describing him as a “monumental figure in Scottish and UK politics” during Prime Minister’s Questions. Salmond tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack in North Macedonia whilst attending a conference. Starmer expressed his condolences to Salmond’s family, recognising the significant impact Salmond had on the political landscape. Both Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also paid their respects to the former first minister.
Alex Salmond served as the First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was a prominent figure during the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, where the majority voted to remain part of the UK. Salmond led the Scottish National Party (SNP) for two separate terms, spanning from 1990 to 2000 and then from 2004 to 2014. As arrangements are made to bring Salmond’s body home, there have been challenges in organizing the transport due to his status as a private citizen at the time of his passing.
Efforts led by the Alba Party, which Salmond had been heading since 2021, have coordinated a private plane charter to bring his body back to Scotland, with support from Holyrood officials and a private individual covering the costs. While a private funeral is being planned for Salmond by his family, a larger public memorial service is expected to be held later in the year. The Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has been liaising with Scottish Government officials and the UK Foreign Office to resolve the logistics.
Salmond’s significant contributions to Scottish politics and his enduring legacy have been acknowledged by leaders across the political spectrum. His passing marks the end of an era in Scottish politics, leaving a void that will be felt by many who knew and worked with him. The upcoming memorial events are expected to be a time for colleagues, friends, and the public to pay their respects and honour the legacy of one of Scotland’s most influential political figures.
In closing, Keir Starmer’s tribute to Alex Salmond underscores the impact Salmond had on shaping the political landscape of Scotland and the UK. As preparations are made to bring Salmond back home, the country mourns the loss of a towering figure in its political history. Alex Salmond’s enduring legacy will be remembered by many for years to come.