Climate change extremists from the This is Rigged anti-oil and gas wing of the Extinction Rebellion have taken over part of Holyrood ahead of First Minister’s questions. The disruption took place as Humza Yousaf was facing difficult questions about the SNP.

The disruption by the extremists from the Extinction Rebellion offshoot started before FMQs in the public area of the Scottish Parliament.

It then spilled into the session itself as Humza Yousaf was attempting to answer questions leading to a very brief suspension of proceedings as police try to take the protesters away.

This is Rigged is a group set up specifically to protest against new oil and gas exploration in the UK.

The targeted Holyrood even though the ruling SNP are in coalition with the Scottish Greens, allies of the protesters, and have shifted their support away from oil and gas to renewables.

The Scottish Government policy has led to criticism from the oil and gas sector in the North Sea which brings in huge revenue for the UK.

The distraction may have helped Mr Yousaf who was facing awkward questions about SNP finances and alleged corruption after party treasurer Colin Beattie, an MSP, was arrested in the Police Scotland investigation.

There is speculation that former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was also listed as a financial officer, could be brought in by police to discuss the issue after her husband, the party’s ex-chief executive Peter Murrell, was arrested earlier this month.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar asked: “Can I ask the acting SNP treasurer [Mr Yousaf], why should Scots keep paying the price for SNP failure?”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross also asked about the finances as well as the SNP’s record on being soft on crime.

He asked: “Why is it okay for anyone to rape someone and not go to jail?”

Mr Yousaf told MSPs: “This is a time for new leadership, which I’m delighted to bring to this government.

“A time for a fresh start – the people of Scotland recognise that, maybe it’s time Scottish Labour should recognise that too.”

Among those critical of the protesters and SNP/ Scottish Green government in Holyrood was SNP former minister Fergus Ewing who spoke out during FMQs.

Mr Ewing said that the “running down North Sea oil and gas is a “form of economic masochism advocated by the wine bar revolutionaries in the Green party”.

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