Swinney renews independence push at SNP conference

John Swinney used the Scottish National Party’s annual conference in Aberdeen on October 17 to renew his push for independence, saying he believes political conditions are aligning and that 2026 marks a turning point for Scotland’s constitutional future. The first minister’s closing address followed the SNP’s victory in this year’s Holyrood election. Swinney argued the result strengthened the independence movement and said his government could both improve people’s lives and pursue independence. He also pointed to support for self-determination among leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Those were Swinney’s arguments; they do not change the legal requirement for UK government agreement before another referendum can be held. The UK Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Holyrood cannot legislate for another independence referendum without that agreement. The UK government has opposed holding a second vote, and whether it will consent remains unresolved. Swinney’s conference remarks did not announce a referendum date or a change in that position. Public opinion on independence remains divided. Polls cited in one report produced differing results: an SNP-commissioned...