Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum
Summary
First Minister John Swinney has presented a plan for a new Scottish independence referendum, urging the UK government to allow a vote if the SNP wins a majority in the upcoming Holyrood elections. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer opposed the idea, saying the SNP would not secure a majority and criticized the push for a referendum as a distraction. Swinney argues that the growing number of young voters justifies a new referendum, referencing the 2011 SNP majority that led to the 2014 vote.Key Facts
- John Swinney is pushing for a Scottish independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority in the next election.
- The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, believes the SNP will not win a majority and critiques the referendum effort.
- The Scottish government has released another paper on independence, continuing a series started in 2022.
- Swinney emphasizes that by 2030, many young Scots who couldn't vote in 2014 will be eligible, suggesting this is a new generation.
- A previous SNP majority in 2011 led to the 2014 referendum, which some consider a precedent.
- The UK government has consistently refused to allow a second referendum, despite pro-independence majorities in 2016 and 2021.
- The SNP plans to discuss its independence strategy at its upcoming party conference.
- Recent polling shows support for independence is around 50%, but SNP support has declined since Nicola Sturgeon was leader.
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