SNP leadership contest: SNP-Green deal would end if Kate Forbes pushed ahead with key pledge, says Lorna Slater

The power-sharing agreement between the SNP and the Greens would break down if Kate Forbes pushed ahead with her plan to scrap a proposed fishing ban, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens has warned.

Lorna Slater insisted highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) were "integral" to the Bute House Agreement. She also said she had been "distressed" by Ms Forbes's comments on gay marriage.

Ms Forbes is one of three hopefuls vying to replace Nicola Sturgeon as the next SNP leader and First Minister, with the winner due to be announced on Monday afternoon. The start of her campaign was dominated by a row over her social conservative religious views, after she said she would not have voted for gay marriage.

Earlier this week, Ms Forbes pledged to scrap controversial Government plans to ban all forms of commercial and recreational fishing in significant stretches of Scotland’s waters. She said she would instead commission a feasibility study into devolving marine protection and inshore fisheries powers to local authorities if she is elected First Minister.

Lorna Slater

Ms Forbes said the existing proposals would “decimate” the seafood industry, adding: “It’s an example of how not to do government.”