Alyn Smith

Alyn Smith grew up in Scotland and Saudi Arabia before studying Law and European Law at Leeds University. He later qualified with Clifford Chance, before a return to Scotland for a brief legal career. He was first elected as an MEP for Scotland in 2004 (re-elected in 2009, 2014, and 2019), and, up until the election, was Group Leader of the SNP Group in Brussels. He is an Honorary Vice President at the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and a Trustee at LGBT Youth Scotland. He describes Stirling as the “jewel in Scotland’s crown” and his constituency as “the heart of Scotland”, winning the constituency for the SNP with a 9,254 majority. Smith counts his proudest moments in politics to be Scotland’s majority vote in favour of remaining in the EU as well as his Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Agriculture Award from Scottish Farmer newspaper. Smith is a frequently columnist in The National newspaper. Smith has said climate change and subsequent resource scarcity are the biggest challenge facing politicians today. He is also a keen advocate for a compassionate and pro-peace foreign policy.

Hot Seat

Can you identify any historical figure(s), or mentor, who inspired your entry into politics?

Alex Salmond — but for his changes to the SNP platform and ethos in the 1990s, the SNP would have remained a fringe party.

What do you predict will be the most important issue, or legislation, coming before your Committee(s) in the next few years?

I’m not on a Committee in order to focus on my constituency and spokesperson role.

Best media moment of your political career?

I’ve made a few speeches in the European Parliament that cut through.