Scottish independence push has turned a corner, Swinney claims

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 00:24 · Archive

John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, claims the independence push has 'turned a corner' ahead of the SNP conference.

John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, has claimed the push for Scottish independence has 'turned a corner'. Speaking ahead of the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Swinney pointed to recent developments as evidence. He cited comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting Scotland could have another independence vote should the people want one, and an agreement between pro-independence party leaders in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Within hours of Swinney's comments, Burnham walked back his position. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Scottish independence is 'off limits' and refused to be moved by the Cardiff Agreement between the pro-independence leaders.

Swinney argued that the situation had changed despite Downing Street's continued rejection of a new vote. He attributed this partly to the strength of the SNP's election win in May, saying there was now 'much more widespread acceptance that the question of independence is going to have to be addressed again'. When questioned whether his claims meant he had nothing new to tell SNP members, Swinney responded: 'I've got plenty to say to members.'

How it is being reported

• Scottish independence push has ‘turned a corner’, Swinney claimsIpsos Scotland says the public remains ‘divided’ on independenceThe Independent · 12 Oct, 00:01
• Independence push has ‘turned corner’, claims SwinneyThe First Minister was speaking ahead of the SNP conference in Aberdeen.Evening Standard · 12 Oct, 00:01

In this story: John Swinney · Andy Burnham · SNP · Scotland · Wales · Northern Ireland · Aberdeen

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem