In the race to succeed Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, all candidates have promised independence from Britain within five years. Scotland "can and will" be independent by 2028, Health Minister Humza Yousaf said Tuesday evening in a BBC debate of the three candidates.

The 37-year-old Yousaf was confident that he could ensure a majority. Finance Minister Kate Forbes wants to stress the disadvantages of dependence on London. The decisions would be made far away from Scotland, said the 32-year-old candidate. MP Ash Regan (49 years old) also stressed her support for secession. However, she wants to wait until a clear majority of Scots are behind the plan, and then use this tailwind.

Sturgeon had surprisingly announced a month ago her departure as "First Minister" and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). SNP members have until March 27 to vote on Sturgeon's successor.

The outgoing head of government is considered a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement. Since its announcement, the number of supporters of secession from Britain has fallen in polls. The hurdles for independence are also high. As the British Supreme Court ruled in December, the government in London must agree to a new referendum. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak clearly rejects another referendum. Thus, it is currently completely unclear how the SNP intends to achieve its goal.