First Minister John Swinney has declared that Scots will "resoundingly" back the "golden opportunity" of independence if a second referendum takes place. Speaking at Holyrood on the first day of business after the election, the SNP leader outlined his plans for the next five-year term, placing independence at the centre of his agenda.
Independence as a 'Fresh Start'
Swinney argued that leaving the United Kingdom would deliver "greater prosperity" for Scotland, primarily through control over the country's energy resources and the ability to rejoin the European Union. He described independence as the "fresh start Scotland so badly needs" and urged MSPs to endorse it as "the future this Parliament can endorse today."
During a debate calling on Westminster to grant a Section 30 order to allow a second referendum, Swinney spoke about how independence would create a "renewed partnership" with the EU and provide "control over our own energy wealth." He declared: "Together, these offer Scotland a golden opportunity, and it is one that I believe people will vote for resoundingly when our nation has, once again, the ability to decide our own future in an independence referendum."
Westminster Opposition and Future Process
While acknowledging that "Westminster currently says no" to demands for another referendum, Swinney framed Tuesday's debate as "the start of a process" that he believes will ultimately lead UK ministers to back another vote. He expressed confidence that Scots would then vote "yes to independence" when that referendum is held.
The First Minister also addressed broader Scottish Government priorities, including boosting the economy, improving the NHS, and eradicating child poverty—an issue he branded "morally wrong." He stressed that "Scotland knows what it means to lead the world" and insisted the country is "at the beginning of a new age of economic transformation." However, he made clear that improvements to prosperity must be "felt directly by the people," telling MSPs that child poverty "has been a scourge in Scotland for too long." While acknowledging progress, Swinney urged: "We must now redouble our efforts so that child poverty can be eradicated from our land."
Energy Independence
On energy, Swinney criticised Westminster control as an "unmitigated disaster." He noted: "We produce more oil, more gas, more electricity than we need, and yet the prices we pay—as households, as businesses—are among the highest in Europe. It simply does not add up. We have the energy, and in abundance, but we do not have the power."
