**History Repeats: Swinney's Bold Bid for Scotland's Independence**

John Swinney, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, argues for a renewed Scottish independence referendum based on the established precedent from the 2014 vote. He contends that the SNP’s victory in 2011, where they secured a majority of MSPs, should empower them to lead a fresh poll if they gain control in the upcoming Holyrood election. During the SNP conference in Aberdeen, party delegates supported Swinney’s plan to treat the next election as a de facto referendum.

Despite this, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander expressed the UK Labour government’s opposition to the idea, echoing Sir Keir Starmer’s refusal to allow a second referendum during his leadership. Swinney dismissed this stance as ”fatuous”, reinforcing that history should guide the current course of action for Scotland’s political future. He emphasized the need for Scotland to make its own decisions, especially in light of stagnant living standards under UK governance.

Additionally, Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister, endorsed Swinney’s ambition, recognizing the difficulty of winning a majority but insisting on the importance of lofty goals. The article discusses the challenges faced by the SNP in recent elections, with a reminder of the Edinburgh Agreement signed prior to the previous independence vote.

Amid Swinney’s proposals, critics like Alexander and other opponents have accused the SNP of using the independence agenda to divert attention from significant issues within their governance, highlighting failures in public services. While Swinney hints at potential legal strategies to push for a referendum, including the possibility of a judicial review if the UK government denies the request, questions remain about the feasibility of securing a majority and the overall effectiveness of this approach given the political landscape. The unfolding dynamic suggests that the independence conversation will continue to shape Scottish politics in the run-up to the 2026 elections.