Swinney launches independence campaign at SNP conference

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 17 Oct, 17:20 · Archive

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has announced a nationwide campaign to renew the case for Scottish independence, backed by a six-figure budget.

John Swinney told the SNP conference in Aberdeen on Saturday that a second independence referendum campaign 'has already begun', to be backed by a six-figure war chest. The campaign, called Choose Scotland, will be the party's 'most sophisticated campaign in history', he said, aiming to build consensus for leaving the union.

Swinney claimed that 'the stars are aligning' for independence, citing nationalist first ministers now leading Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. He argued that pro-union parties at Westminster are 'weaker than they have ever been' and said that a hung Westminster parliament could provide a realistic path to a second referendum, as the SNP might 'hold the balance of power' in forming a future government.

In an emotional address, Swinney spoke of his personal commitment to independence, telling supporters he was 'determined to deliver independence for Scotland' not just as First Minister but as a father. He set out other party pledges including an expansion to the £2 bus fare cap next year and a commitment to bring Scotland's bus network under public control before the next Holyrood elections in 2031.

The SNP won a record fifth term in May's Scottish Parliament election, though the party failed to win the overall majority Swinney had targeted for forcing a second referendum against Westminster opposition.

How it is being reported

• John Swinney splurges £30million of taxpayers' money on fund to 'fight the far-right' in ScotlandJohn Swinney has announced he will splurge £30million of British taxpayers' money on a fund to combat the so-called "far-right" in Scotland. The Scottish First Minister used his leader's speech at the Scottish National Party conference in Aberdeen to unveil plans for the "Scotland Together" fund. The SNP leader told attendees the country must "unite" to “face down the forces of division and hate”. Mr Swinney claimed the best way to “combat the rise of the racists is in the communities of Scotland on the ground”. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The First Minister said the new Scotland…GB News · 17 Oct, 18:00
• John Swinney tells SNP conference of drive to deliver independence for his sonThe Scottish First Minister and SNP leader closed his party’s annual conference in Aberdeen.Evening Standard · 17 Oct, 17:00
• SNP says campaign for next referendum on independence ‘has already begun’John Swinney tells party conference SNP will use ‘six-figure war chest’ to renew argument for leaving UK John Swinney has said that the second referendum campaign for Scottish independence “has already begun”, revealing a nationwide effort to renew the argument for leaving the UK in his keynote address to the SNP party conference. On Saturday, the Scottish first minister said that the SNP would launch its “most sophisticated campaign in history” to convince Scottish of the benefits of independence, backed by “a six-figure war chest”. Called Choose Scotland, the campaign aims to build the…The Guardian · 17 Oct, 16:45
• ‘Stars are aligning’ for Scottish independence, Swinney to tell SNP conferenceScottish First Minister John Swinney will close his party’s annual conference in Aberdeen on Saturday.Evening Standard · 17 Oct, 00:01

In this story: John Swinney · SNP · Scotland · Wales · Northern Ireland · Westminster

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