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John Swinney is set to emphasize the favorable moment for Scottish independence in his keynote address at the SNP conference in Aberdeen. He will highlight that 2026 marks a pivotal stage in Scotland’s progression toward becoming an independent state. Swinney intends to underline the growing support for self-determination from the leaders of Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, reflecting a united front among these nations.
In his speech, Swinney will advocate for a new independence referendum, particularly following the SNP’s historic victory in May, securing a record fifth term at Holyrood. Last month, the nationalist first ministers from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff, where they agreed—though the deal is not legally binding—that no Westminster government has the authority to block democratic decisions. Swinney will reinforce this message by stating that “one by one, the stars are aligning” in favor of independence.
Despite winning the election, the SNP fell short of gaining the overall majority Swinney had hoped for to advance a second referendum, especially against Westminster resistance. Nonetheless, he will assert that the party remains committed to its cause, declaring, “there is no turning back.” Swinney will stress that the SNP is setting the political agenda and that “the wind is now firmly in the sails of Scotland’s independence movement,” adding that unionist parties at Westminster are “weaker than they have ever been.”
Swinney’s remarks follow a visit by Andy Burnham, who recently made his first major speech in Scotland since assuming office as prime minister. Burnham reportedly extended an offer to collaborate on devolving more power to local communities while seeking to move beyond contentious politics, though he maintained that a second independence referendum remains “off limits.” This comes amid ongoing resistance from UK governments to any new votes on independence since the 2014 referendum, in which Scotland chose to remain part of the UK by 55% to 45%. A 2022 Supreme Court ruling confirmed that any future referendum would require consent from Westminster
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