SNP heavyweight admits Second Coming of Jesus to come sooner than IndyRef2

Kate Forbes arrives for a memorial service at Inverness Cathedral

Kate Forbes arrives for a memorial service at Inverness Cathedral

PA
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 22/08/2023

- 08:17

Scotland’s former Finance Secretary stood against Humza Yousaf in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as Scottish National Party leader

A heavyweight SNP MSP has admitted the Second Coming of Jesus could happen sooner than a second referendum on Scottish independence.

Kate Forbes, who stood to succeed Nicola Sturgeon in Bute House earlier this year, told an Edinburgh Fringe chat show event that the messiah could return at any time but IndyRef2 could “take a bit more work”.


The 33-year-old made the remark in conversation with left-leaning comedian Matt Forde for his Political Party podcast.

Forbes, who is a devout member of the Free Church of Scotland, previously came under fire for her evangelical views on gay marriage and having children out of wedlock.

A Yes supporter crashes a Labour Better Together rally on Buchanan Street in Glasgow

A Yes supporter crashes a Labour Better Together rally on Buchanan Street in Glasgow

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Forde asked: “What is more likely in the next 10 days - the Second Coming or a second independence referendum?”

The MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch replied: “Well that is both political and problematic.”

When Forde followed up by asking which was more desirable, Forbes said: “Oh my!”

She added: “I think they both have an equal likelihood of happening but I think probably the Second Coming could happen at literally any time - in the next hour.

Former SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes

Former SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes

PA

“And probably the referendum is going to take a bit more work.”

Forbes, who narrowly missed out on becoming First Minister after picking up 48 per cent of the vote in the SNP’s spring leadership contest, was unable to say whether a second independence referendum was more desirable than the Second Coming.

She also last week refused to rule out a second run for leader, simply saying: “Never say never.”

The SNP was unable to convince the UK Government to allow Holyrood to hold a second independence referendum.

\u200bGraham Linehan

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan was involved in a Fringe furore over his transgender rights

PA

A high-profile Supreme Court last year ruled the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a ballot on separation.

Forbes also condemned the “real scary” attempt to cancel Graham Linehan in her appearance with Forde.

The Father Ted creator was involved in a Fringe furore due to his views on transgender issues.

She argued that Linehan was a “comedian making jokes with the currency of offence and that needs to be protected”.

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