SNP launches biggest independence campaign in a decade

Summarised from 2 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

The SNP is surveying 1.5 million Scots as part of its biggest independence campaign since 2014, coinciding with conflicting polling on Scottish support.

The SNP is launching what it describes as its biggest independence campaign this decade at its annual conference in Aberdeen. The 'Choose Scotland' campaign will involve surveying nearly 1.5 million Scots, a new pro-independence party political broadcast and the party's largest online advertising campaign outside an election. The initiative will focus on Scotland taking control of decisions over energy and international affairs, as well as rejoining the EU and protecting pensioners from what the party characterises as 'unfair Westminster policies'. A national day of action is planned around St Andrew's Day on 30 November.

The SNP's depute leader Keith Brown said the party is opening its 'war chest' for the campaign, adding: 'Independence is the central question on these islands and our message is simple: Choose Scotland.' A Survation poll found 52 per cent of Scots would vote for independence in a second referendum, with the SNP on 34 per cent for a Westminster election, up from the 30 per cent the party secured in 2024.

Yet the campaign is launching amid significant public scepticism about the party itself. A YouGov poll found 53 per cent of Scots view the SNP as 'out of touch', 50 per cent think it is incompetent, and only a quarter describe it as 'trustworthy'. First Minister John Swinney's personal approval rating has fallen, with 53 per cent now viewing him unfavourably. The SNP conference also heard a motion calling for the party to develop 'clear, accessible, evidence-based resources' addressing questions undecided voters commonly raise about independence, including the economy, pensions and currency.

How it is being reported

• Voters 'don't even know who Scottish opposition leaders are', poll suggestsTHE majority of Scots have no opinion of any Holyrood party leader other than the First Minister, new polling has found ...The National · 15 Oct, 13:40
• Half of Scots view SNP as incompetent with majority branding party 'out of touch' and 'untrustworthy'The Nationalists are preparing to launch another push for independence since 2014 at a time many voters are turning their back on the party.Daily Record · 15 Oct, 13:10
• SNP members call on party to 'answer independence questions' in key conference motionSNP members have voted overwhelmingly to support a conference motion urging the party to develop "clear, accessible, evidence-based resources” addressing key questions about Scottish independence ...The National · 15 Oct, 11:57
• Majority of Scots support independence as SNP hails ‘emphatic’ pollA MAJORITY of Scots would vote for independence in a second referendum, a new poll has found, as the SNP said Scotland’s constitutional future is becoming the “dominant question” in UK politicsThe National · 14 Oct, 17:09
• SNP to survey 1.5 million Scots in 'biggest independence push in a decade'THE SNP are set to survey nearly 1.5 million Scots as part of what the party describes as its “biggest independence campaign” this decade ...The National · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: SNP · Scotland · Keith Brown · John Swinney · Jenny Gilruth · Andy Burnham · UK

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