INDEPENDENT MSP John Finnie, who resigned from the SNP over its change of policy on Nato, has played down suggestions he may join the Scottish Socialist Party.

Mr Finnie will share a platform next week with leading SSP figure John McAllion to speak about the importance of leaving Nato, the key link between that and opposing nuclear weapons – and the need for a yes vote for independence.

But he made clear yesterday that this was not part of a move to join the SSP. "I am not looking to join any other party but I am prepared to argue the case against Nato and nuclear weapons," he said.

The meeting in Pollokshields on Monday will also feature Pakistani campaigner against Nato drone attacks, Amjad Ayub Mirza.